Florida FLSA Laws: Your Guide to Compliance
Ensure Your Business Stays Compliant with Federal and Florida Labor Laws
Minimum Wage in Florida
- Federal FLSA: $7.25/hour.
- Florida Law: $13.00/hour (non-tipped) and $9.98/hour (tipped) as of September 30, 2024. Increases to $14.00/hour in 2025, $15.00/hour by 2026, then adjusts annually with inflation (Florida Statutes, Chapter 448.110).
- What You Need to Know: Pay the higher state rate or risk fines up to $1,000 per violation.
Overtime Pay
- Rule: 1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week (federal FLSA standard).
- Florida Specifics: No state overtime law—follows federal rules exactly.
- Risk: Misclassifying exempt employees can cost millions in back wages and penalties.
Child Labor
- Florida Rules: Minors under 14 limited to specific jobs; 14–15 restricted to 3 hours/school day; 16–17 barred from hazardous work. 30-minute break required after 4 hours (Florida Statutes, Chapter 450).
- Federal FLSA: Aligns but lacks break rule—Florida’s stricter law applies.
Recordkeeping
- Requirement: Track hours, wages, and payroll for 3 years (federal FLSA).
- Florida: No additional state rules—federal standard applies.
Enforcement & Penalties
- Federal: DOL fines, back wages, and lawsuits (up to $1.2M average penalty).
- Florida: $1,000 fine per minimum wage violation + mandatory state wage poster.
Why It Matters for Your Business
- CFOs and Managers: Florida’s rising minimum wage and federal FLSA rules mean higher payroll costs and compliance risks. One missed overtime calculation or misclassification could trigger a DOL audit or lawsuit.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Non-compliance penalties hit hard—protect your bottom line with expert FLSA auditing.
