Voters will soon have the option to raise Florida's minimum wage to $15 an hour. The state Supreme Court approved language for the proposed amendment Thursday. Now the issue is heading for the 2020 ballot. State Chief Economist Amy Baker says if approved, the change could cost the state.
“When you raise the minimum wage, whether or not you think it’s a good thing, somebody still has to pay for it," Baker said.
She says the change could cause the legislature to raise taxes to ensure all state workers meet the new requirements. The amendment must receive approval from 60% of voters to become part of the constitution. It would raise minimum wage in one-dollar increments until reaching $15 per hour in September 2026.
