Florida Minimum Wage vs Tipped Minimum Wage

Florida Minimum Wage vs Tipped Minimum Wage: Key Takeaways

As of September 30, 2024, Florida’s minimum wage is $13.00/hour for non-tipped employees and $9.98/hour for tipped employees with a $3.02 tip credit.
On September 30, 2025, wages increase to $14.00/hour for non-tipped and $10.98/hour for tipped employees, continuing a gradual rise to $15/hour by 2026.
Florida’s minimum wage and tipped minimum wage significantly exceed federal minimums, reflecting cost-of-living adjustments and voter-approved legislation.

This article explains how Florida’s minimum wage compares to the tipped minimum wage and what employers and employees need to know about these evolving rates.

It also covers the tip credit rules, upcoming increases, and how Florida’s wages stack against federal standards.

For employer-focused guidance, see how to post jobs for tipped employees.

1. Overview of Florida Minimum Wage and Tipped Minimum Wage

Florida has implemented a structured plan to raise its minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by September 30, 2026, following Amendment 2 passed by voters in 2020.

For non-tipped employees, the minimum wage as of September 30, 2024, stands at $13.00 per hour and will increase to $14.00 per hour on September 30, 2025.

Tipped employees have a different wage floor, paid directly $9.98 per hour in 2024, rising to $10.98 per hour in 2025, with a maximum tip credit of $3.02 allowed by law.

For role-specific responsibilities, review the server job description.

2. Understanding Tip Credit and Tipped Minimum Wage in Florida

Florida employers may apply a tip credit of up to $3.02 per hour for tipped employees, meaning employers can pay a reduced cash wage as long as combined tips and wages equal or exceed the full minimum wage.

For example, starting September 30, 2025, a tipped employee must earn a combined total of $14.00 per hour, receiving at least $10.98 directly from the employer with the remainder made up through tips.

If tips do not bridge the gap to the full minimum wage, the employer is required to make up the difference to comply with state law.

Hospitality operators can also reference the bartender job description to align pay and duties.

Tip Credit Limitations and Conditions

The tip credit can only be used if the employee customarily and regularly receives tips.

Employers cannot count tips when determining wages for employees who do not meet this criterion.

3. Comparing Florida Minimum Wage Rates to Federal Standards

The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 per hour since 2009, with tipped employees receiving a direct cash wage as low as $2.13 per hour plus tips.

Florida’s rates greatly exceed this. The state's non-tipped minimum wage is currently $13.00 and will reach $15.00 by 2026, with tipped minimum wages reflecting this upward trend accordingly.

This disparity underlines Florida’s commitment to an adjusted living wage aligned with local economic conditions rather than adhering solely to federal baselines. For broader context, see wage comparisons by state.

Implications for Florida Employers and Employees

Employers benefit from clear guidelines about tip credits but must track tips carefully to ensure tipped employees are not shortchanged.

Employees enjoy a safer wage floor, with guaranteed minimum earnings from wages plus tips.

In tip-heavy venues, the cocktail server job description offers further clarity on duties and compensation.

4. Upcoming Minimum Wage Increases and Inflation Adjustments in Florida

The minimum wage will continue to rise in $1.00 increments each September 30 until it reaches $15.00 on September 30, 2026.

At that point, beginning September 30, 2027, minimum wage rates will be adjusted annually based on inflation, using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect changes in the cost of living.

This mechanism ensures that wages remain responsive to economic conditions without requiring frequent legislation or voter action.

Key Dates for Wage Increases

September 30, 2025: $14.00 per hour (non-tipped), $10.98 per hour (tipped)
September 30, 2026: $15.00 per hour (non-tipped), $11.98 per hour (tipped)
September 30, 2027 and annually thereafter: adjustments based on CPI inflation

To benchmark gratuity trends, check tipping percentages by state.

5. Employer Responsibilities Regarding Minimum Wage Posting and Compliance in Florida

Florida law requires employers to post the current minimum wage rates prominently where employees can easily view them.

This helps ensure transparency and awareness about wage rights among employees and is a critical part of legal compliance for employers. For best practices, see job posting compliance.

Employers must also maintain accurate records reflecting wages paid and tip credits claimed to avoid disputes or liability.

6. Resources for Florida Minimum Wage and Tipped Wage Information

For more detailed information and updates, consider these official sources:

Florida Minimum Wage vs Tipped Minimum Wage: Conclusion

Florida’s minimum wage landscape is steadily progressing toward a $15 hourly wage for non-tipped employees, with tipped wages adjusted by a legally capped tip credit.

This progressive approach, far above federal minimums, ensures better earnings for workers in service and hospitality industries.

Employers must stay compliant by posting wage notices, tracking tips, and making up any shortfalls to tipped employees.

With inflation-based adjustments scheduled post-2026, Florida’s minimum wage system aims to remain equitable and economically responsive in the years ahead.

For pay benchmarks in tipped roles, explore current server salary data.

01. What is the tipped minimum wage in Florida for 2024?

As of September 30, 2024, the tipped minimum wage in Florida is $9.98 per hour, with a tip credit of up to $3.02 allowed by law.

02. How does the Florida minimum wage compare to the federal minimum wage?

Florida’s minimum wage significantly exceeds the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, reflecting local cost-of-living adjustments and voter-approved legislation.

03. Can employers take a tip credit for all tipped employees?

No. Employers can only take a tip credit for employees who customarily and regularly receive tips. Employees who do not meet this criterion must be paid the full minimum wage without tip credit deductions.

04. What happens if an employee’s tips plus wages don’t equal the full minimum wage?

Employers are required by Florida law to make up the difference if an employee’s combined wages and tips do not meet the full minimum wage.

05. When will Florida adjust minimum wages for inflation?

Beginning September 30, 2027, Florida will annually adjust minimum wages based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect inflation and changes in the cost of living.