Copyright Newsweek
A Florida lawmaker has introduced a bill that would let certain workers in the state earn less than the minimum wage. Newsweek has contacted Republican state Representative Ryan Chamberlin, who filed the new proposal last week, for comment via email. Why It Matters The minimum wage in Florida is $14 per hour for workers not in tipped occupations. Following a voter-approved ballot referendum in November 2020, Florida is set to reach a $15 minimum wage on September 30, 2026. The proposed legislation, HB 221, would allow some workers to voluntarily accept pay below the state minimum wage if they are employed in a “work-study, internship, pre-apprenticeship, or other similar work-based learning opportunity.” What To Know If it becomes law, the bill will allow certain students and trainees to waive their right to the state’s minimum wage while participating in structured learning programs, such as internships, pre-apprenticeships or work-study opportunities. Under the measure, these programs could last no longer than nine months or two full-time semesters of at least 15 credit hours each. Participants would voluntarily sign a waiver acknowledging that they understand their right to the minimum wage but are choosing to accept a lower rate for the duration of their training. They must be paid at least the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour. Employers would be prohibited from pressuring or coercing anyone into signing such a waiver. For workers under 18, a parent or guardian would need to co-sign for the waiver to take effect. After the nine-month limit, or once the program ends, employers would be required to pay participants at least the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher. In Florida, this would be $14. The bill is similar to another that Chamberlin sponsored during the 2025 legislative session. HB 541/SB 676 advanced in both chambers but never received a floor vote. That bill received criticism at the time, with some arguing that it could lead to exploitation of workers. But proponents said it would lower the cost of labor and create more jobs. What People Are Saying Republican state Representative Ryan Chamberlin said regarding HB 221: “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. Wage controls are always enacted with good intentions but 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.” Chamberlin said earlier this year : “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. “Wages should be given based on skill and experience, not artificially inflated numbers given to us by the government. 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.” Jackson Oberlink from Florida for All, a statewide coalition that fights for racial, economic and gender equality, said earlier this year regarding SB 676: “Let's be honest, no worker truly opts out of fair wages. There are zero protections in this bill against coercion, fraud or employer intimidation, meaning bad actors can and will exploit it.” What Happens Next If approved by lawmakers, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
