Florida’s Minimum Wage Just Jumped to $14/hr

As of September 30th, 2025, Florida’s minimum wage has officially increased from $13 to $14 per hour. Next year, it will climb again to $15 — the final step in the voter-approved plan from 2020.

For workers, this sounds like great news: more money in the paycheck without any extra hours. But for business owners? It’s another cost increase to factor into already tight margins. Let’s break down what this change means — for employees, employers, and everyone in between.

Workers: The Good and the Reality

On the surface, this feels like a win. Employees are now getting more money for the same job they’ve been doing. And let’s be honest, most people working minimum wage aren’t buying $500,000 homes with two cars and kids in private school. These jobs are usually a starting point — fast food, retail, front desk, or other entry-level roles.

The $1 bump doesn’t suddenly make those jobs life-changing, but it does provide relief. Over 40 hours, it’s about $40 more a week. Over a year, that’s $2,000+ extra in gross pay. That’s helpful.

But here’s the truth: money habits matter more than paychecks.If someone already spends recklessly, this raise just gives them more to spend on the wrong things. Whether you make $40k a year or $400k a year, your financial habits determine your future.

If I were talking to a high school or college kid earning minimum wage, my advice would be simple:

• Save at least 50% of your income.

• Use this time to stack cash for your future — whether that’s school, a wedding, your first home, or investments.

• Don’t rack up big bills while your income is small.

This is the highest starting wage any generation has had coming out of high school. Don’t waste the opportunity.

Employers: The Hidden Cost

For business owners, this wage bump is more than just an extra dollar per hour. It raises the floor — meaning what used to cost $13 now costs $14, and quality employees will demand even more.

Here’s the math problem every business owner faces:

• If “entry-level” work costs $14, then high-quality talent expects double.

• Payroll costs rise, but the actual work output may not.

• In some cases, owners find themselves paying staff more than they pay themselves — especially in the early growth stages.

That’s where it stings. Hiring gets more expensive, scaling slows down, and some owners will delay bringing on new people until budgets adjust.

What does this mean in practice?

• More part-time hires instead of full-time.

• Slight price increases for customers to cover costs.

• A natural push toward efficiency and sacrifice for owners.

It’s not the end of the world, but it does make growing a business harder.

Attitude Is Everything

Here’s the part most people miss: this isn’t just about numbers.

• If you’re an employee: Remember, your employer expects more now. When your cost goes up, so does the standard of effort. Business owners don’t just need to cover your paycheck — they have to pay for overhead, taxes, and everything else that keeps the doors open. Show up. Work hard. Don’t waste the opportunity.

  
  

• If you’re a business owner: This is part of the cost of doing business. Don’t let a bad attitude poison your team. Payroll will always be your largest expense — and the sacrifice never ends. If you pay yourself too much now, you’ll limit your ability to scale. The real question is: do you want to make $150k forever, or sacrifice today so you can grow into $250k+ in a few years?

This raise is a reminder that mindset and discipline matter more than rates.

The Bigger Picture

For the Florida economy, this wage hike won’t crash the system, but it will have ripple effects:

• Small businesses may take 6+ months to adjust hiring plans.

• Growth may slow slightly, but it won’t stop.

• Inflationary pressure is possible as businesses raise prices to cover payroll.

On the flip side, when people have more money in their pockets, they spend it. That creates a boost for local economies — restaurants, retail, and services see more activity. The real question is whether that spending builds the future (savings, security) or just funds short-term habits (gadgets, vacations, jewelry).

Final Word

Here’s the takeaway for both sides:

• Workers: This raise gives you more money, but also more responsibility. Don’t waste it. Build habits that set you up for the future. If your boss is paying you more, expect them to expect more from you.

• Business owners: Accept that payroll is the game. Budget, sacrifice, and plan ahead. Scaling requires discipline. Keep your personal bills low now, so you can grow into bigger returns later.

At the end of the day, the minimum wage increase is just a reminder of something every successful person already knows: your habits, effort, and long-term vision matter far more than the number on your paycheck.

Kim & Gerry Rivas

Founders; The Rivas Insurance Group

https://rivasinsurancegroup.com/