Contact: Cat Ulrich
cat@emccommunications.com, (202) 630-7839
Sept. 27, 2022— Florida’s minimum wage will increase from $10 to $11 an hour on Sept. 30 and business leaders across Florida are welcoming the raise, saying it will boost consumer spending and bolster local businesses. Florida’s minimum wage will continue to increase by $1 per year until it reaches $15 in 2026, followed by cost of living increases in subsequent years.
Florida voters resoundingly approved Amendment 2 in 2020 to raise the state minimum wage, and the first increase under the ballot measure was on Sept. 30, 2021. Business owners and executives across the state came together in the Florida Business for a Fair Minimum Wage coalition to advocate for the raise. Business owners commented about this year’s increase:
Jennifer Todd, owner of LMS General Contractors in Pompano Beach: “Raising Florida’s minimum wage made good business sense when Floridians voted for it in 2020. And it makes good sense today. Paying wages that workers can actually live on has helped my construction firm hire and retain talented employees, grow, and continue building our reputation for quality and safety.”
Satchel Raye, owner of Satchel’s Pizza and Satch Squared in Gainesville: “Business is booming and we are hiring to keep up with demand. In order to attract the best people it's more important than ever to pay as much above minimum wage as possible, and have a strong culture where a team feels appreciated. Florida’s very timely minimum wage increase to $11 will help low-income workers continue to pay their bills.”
Greg Noonan, owner of Connected Landscapes in Orlando: “Wage stagnation is one of the biggest threats facing small businesses, because businesses can’t thrive if their customers don’t have money to spend. My company has been continuing to raise wages for our employees, which helps our business grow. Florida’s minimum wage increase is going to strengthen businesses and our economy.”
Danielle Ferrari, owner of Valhalla Resale in Tampa and St. Petersburg: “The minimum wage increase will be a much needed boost for Floridians struggling with rising costs. I know that when my community does better financially, we all do better. Our commitment to paying our employees living wages has helped my business succeed and expand from Tampa to St. Petersburg.”
Richard Nesbit, owner of Alta Systems, a printing and mailing company in Gainesville: “While so many companies are having trouble hiring, we have had excellent success finding and retaining great workers by paying a living wage. We know the bottom line benefits that come from valuing your employees and enabling them to focus on work without being stressed about making ends meet. And minimum wage increases go back into the economy as increased consumer spending.”
Jared Meyers, owner of Legacy Vacation Resorts in Orlando, Kissimmee, Palm Coast and Indian Shores; Tony’s Bar & Grill in Orlando; and Salt Palm Development in St. Petersburg; and founding director of Climate First Bank in St. Petersburg and Orlando: “Florida’s minimum wage increases are good for business. We’ve been hiring across the board. Paying fair wages and investing in our employees strengthens our business and enhances our resilience for the future.”
Eleven states and D.C. have enacted a minimum wage of $15 or higher through ballot initiatives and legislation (and are at various stages of phasing in scheduled increases and annual cost of living adjustments): D.C., California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
To speak with Florida business owners supportive of raising the minimum wage, please contact Cat Ulrich at cat@emccommunications.com or (202) 630-7839.
###
Business for a Fair Minimum Wage is a national network of business owners and executives and business organizations that believe a fair minimum wage makes good business sense. twitter.com/MinimumWageBiz