A recent survey published by the Orlando Sentinel revealed that most Floridians do not agree with the current minimum wage. According to the survey, the typical Floridan knew exactly how much the minimum wage was and also wanted the minimum wage to increase.
The current minimum wage in Florida is $8.25 per hour at the time of writing this article. The survey, however, revealed that Floridians want a higher minimum wage, which — after averaging responses — would come to $11.99. That’s $3.74 higher than minimum wage earners currently earn.
Analysts refer to the difference between the current minimum wage and what the public wants the wage to be as the “minimum wage differential.” The results of the survey ranked Florida as having the 17th highest minimum wage differential in the nation.
Interestingly, the answers of Florida respondents line up closely with the results of a massive Massachusetts Institute of Technology survey that estimated what a “living wage” should be in different parts of the nation based on the cost of living, this can also be expanded upon by looking up websites such as https://yoursouthtampahome.com/ for more information. According to the MIT study, a living wage in Florida should be $11.75 per hour.
The survey revealed that Baby Boomer and Libertarian respondents wanted the lowest minimum wages. In addition, those earning the most money hourly, wanted the minimum wage to be the lowest as well.
What wage are you earning per hour? Is your employer compensating you, at the very least, the minimum amount you should earn? Whether you’re an hourly worker, salaried worker or “paid by the job,” if you suspect that you are being unfairly paid by your employer under Florida law, investigate your legal rights as soon as possible.
