TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Some Democratic state lawmakers say Florida's attorney general needs to do more to make sure those earning minimum wage in Florida actually get that amount in their paychecks.
State representative Jose Javier Rodriguez claims some employers in Florida require workers to put in multiple hours off the clock, or pay less than the state-mandated minimum wage.
Under current state law, the minimum wage is eight dollars and five cents per hour, adjusted annually based on the consumer price index.
Rodriguez says Attorney General Pam Bondi needs to be more aggressive in going after bad businesses while also providing more outreach to those who feel their wages may be too low: "The attorney general's office is simply not enforcing the minimum wage in the way that other states do. We basically have it in the constitution and we have it in the books, but as far as any state enforcement… that is it."
Bondi has responded to Representative Rodriguez saying, "the representative has not brought one claim to our attention. In every instance where a claim has been submitted to our office, we have addressed it in accordance with the statute and we will continue to do so for any future claims."
Legislation has been filed for the 2016 session that would raise Florida's minimum wage to 15 dollars per hour. Similar measures in past years have died in the capitol.
