The minimum wage in Florida is currently $8.25 per hour, and it can go up based on the way the consumer price index changes each year. However, lawmakers in Miami Beach approved a higher minimum than the rest of the state two years ago — which lawmakers felt was fair due to the higher cost of living in the area.
Not long after the Miami Beach City Commission approved the wage hike for its lowest wage workers, a circuit court judge ruled that the wage increase was unlawful. In addition, an appeals court agreed with the judge’s ruling, saying that Florida state laws do not permit cities to have their own minimum wages.
However, there is some disagreement on this issue. While a law on the books in Florida from 2003 does bar local governments from having a minimum wage that exceeds the federal minimum wage, there is another 2004 law that allows the state to have a higher minimum wage than federal levels. This 2004 law also states that it does not prohibit local governments from having a higher minimum wage. The Florida Supreme Court has recently decided to take up the matter and decide which of the two laws — the law from 2003 law or 2004 — take precedence.
The ruling will affect other municipalities throughout Florida because if the Supreme Court allows the 2004 rule to take precedence, it will permit other municipalities to adopt custom minimum wage ordinances too.
Are you a minimum wage earner in Miami Beach? You might want to pay close attention to how the Supreme Court decides this case because it could mean the difference between your current wages and receiving several dollars more an hour for your labor. If you have questions about Miami-area wage laws and whether you’re receiving just compensation for your work, visit our website now.
