Georgia FLSA Laws: Your Guide to Compliance
Keep Your Business Compliant with Georgia-Specific FLSA Auditing
Minimum Wage in Georgia
- Federal FLSA: $7.25/hour.
- Georgia Law: $5.15/hour (non-tipped) for employers not covered by FLSA (Georgia Code § 34-4-3). Most employers fall under FLSA, so $7.25/hour applies. Tipped employees: $2.13/hour with a $5.12 tip credit. No state increases planned.
- What You Need to Know: Federal rate typically applies—errors in tip credits or exemptions can lead to federal penalties.
Overtime Pay
- Federal FLSA: 1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week.
- Georgia Specifics: Matches federal 40-hour rule with no state modifications. Overtime based on $7.25/hour ($10.88/hour in 2025). No state overtime laws beyond FLSA.
- Risk: Misclassifications or unpaid overtime can trigger DOL audits or lawsuits.
Child Labor
- Georgia Rules: Minors under 14 restricted to limited roles; 14–15 capped at 3 hours/school day, 8 hours/non-school day; 16–17 barred from hazardous jobs. Work permits required under 18 (Georgia Code § 39-2-11).
- Federal FLSA: Aligns, but Georgia’s permit rule adds a state requirement—state law applies.
Recordkeeping
- Federal FLSA: 3-year retention of payroll and hours records.
- Georgia Addition: No state-specific requirements—follows FLSA 3-year rule. Pay stubs required only if requested (Georgia Code § 34-4-6).
Enforcement & Penalties
- Federal: DOL penalties, back wages, up to $1.2M average for violations.
- Georgia: No state wage enforcement agency—relies on federal DOL. Civil lawsuits can seek double damages under FLSA for willful violations.
Why It Matters for Your Business
- CFOs and Managers: Georgia’s low $7.25 minimum wage and full reliance on FLSA increase federal compliance risks. A payroll misstep—like misclassified employees—could cost millions in DOL fines or litigation.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Stay compliant with expert FLSA auditing tailored to Georgia’s framework.
Schedule Your Georgia FLSA Audit Today
