TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A new bill aims to reform Florida’s minimum wage system, which includes provisions for alternative forms of compensation.
Sponsors: Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R-Ocala, filed HB 541. Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, filed the companion bill in the Senate.
What it does: The bill allows employers to be exempt from Florida’s minimum wage requirements for employees participating in structured work-study, internship, pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship programs, or similar work-based learning opportunities.
- Employees in these programs can choose to opt out of receiving the minimum wage.
- To opt out, employees must either check a box on their application form indicating they are opting out of minimum wage requirements or provide the employer with a signed written acknowledgment confirming their decision to waive the minimum wage.
What they’re saying: Chamberlain said the bill “will be good” for employers, workers, independent contractors and the overall economy.
- “The minimum wage in Florida as currently codified in our state constitution has become a weight on Florida’s economy and a hindrance to workers seeking to improve their personal finances,” said Rep. Ryan Chamberlin. “This bill will give both employers and employees more flexibility to work out compensatory agreements that are unshackled by the heavy hand of government.”
- “As we continuously artificially increase the minimum wage, not only does our cost of living increase, but employees are forced out of the job market, adding unforeseen consequences and stress to their families,” Chamberlain said.
- “Companies are forced to make difficult decisions regarding their staff, whether by cutting staff hours, laying off individuals, or leaving the state altogether,” he said. “Wage controls are always enacted with good intentions but always lead to a decrease in opportunities.”
- “We must seek alternative options like career development and continued education to ensure workers are receiving the skills needed to compete in today’s economy,” Chamberlain said.
- “Wages should be given based on skill and experience, not artificially inflated numbers given to us by the government,” he said. “This legislation will add more jobs to the market, lower the cost of labor, increase the pool of workers, increase small business profits, and reduce the cost of living for consumers.”
Next steps: The legislation has yet to be assigned to a committee. Interim committee meetings will continue through March. The legislative session will begin March 4 and will run through May 2.
If approved, the legislation will take effect July 1.
