TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Dozens of fast food workers, airport employees and others in low-wage jobs gathered at the state capitol Monday, calling for an increase in Florida’s minimum wage.
Under current state law, the minimum wage for non-tipped employees is $8.46 per hour.
For several years, bills aimed at increasing compensation for Florida’s lowest-paid workers have died in the state legislature.
State Senator Victor Torres feels those working low-wage jobs are not looking for charity. He says they just want to be able to make ends meet.
“We must stand and support every effort to raise the minimum wage, so Floridians can afford to pay their bills, raise their families and fulfill the dream of buying their own home," said Torres.
Opponents of raising the minimum wage feel an increase to low-end pay will cause businesses to cut jobs, while making goods and services more expensive.
Supporters of the increase are currently gathering signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment, which could go on the November 2020 ballot.
Under that plan, Florida’s minimum wage would raise to $10 an hour on September 30, 2021 and increase by one each year until it hits $15 an hour in 2026.
