Minimum wage is one of those topics that everyone thinks they understand, but when you scratch the surface, people have more questions than answers.

I’m here to the rescue. These are the most frequently asked questions I’ve heard. 

Q: Is the minimum wage in Florida different than the federal minimum wage?

A: Yes. The Florida minimum wage is $8.25 and the federal is $7.25.

Q: How often does the rate change?

A: Florida law requires the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to calculate a minimum wage rate each year (based on the percentage increase in the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners).

The feds have no such law and therefore haven’t changed their paltry $7.25 rate since 2009. Not a typo. You read that right.

Fun fact: if the federal minimum wage had grown at the same rate as average wages, it would now be close to $12.

Q: What will be Florida’s minimum wage rate in 2019?

A: The annual indexed rate, effective Jan. 1, will increase 21 cents from $8.25 to $8.46

Get your free poster from www.floridajobs.org then search “posters”.

Q: Do all states adjust their rates yearly like Florida does?

A: Nope, only some do. But either through cost of living adjustments or legislation or ballot initiatives, the min wage in most states is higher than the federal rate.

Q: Which states have the highest min wage rates?

A: California, Massachusetts and Washington will all pay $12 in 2019.

Some cities like San Francisco ($15) and NYC ($13) have their own minimums.

Q: Do some employers willingly increase their own minimum wage?

A: Yes, Although not legally bound, many employers come up with their own rates. choosing to pay their workers more than the federal or state minimum wage in order to attract and keep good employees.

Fun Fact:

5 chain stores that pay more than $10/hr

Starbucks $10

Whole Foods $11

CVS $11

Walmart and Target both at $11 (and both plan $15 by 2020)

Q: Would you support a $15 min wage initiative on the ballot for Florida?

A: Nope. I think that would be too burdensome. Instead I’d prefer if the state set a goal of $10 by 2022 for example, and continue adjusting yearly thereafter.

Go forth. Now you can talk min wage trivia like a pro at your holiday party.

©Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com