Florida bill that could affect minimum wage for certain workers

Republican State Representative Ryan Chamberlin introduced House Bill 221 , which seeks to create a temporary exemption to Florida's minimum wage for certain workers participating in job training programs. The measure, which would take effect in July 2026 , sets limits, voluntary conditions, and safeguards for employees, but has drawn sharp criticism .

The Florida House of Representatives is considering HB 221, the “ On-the-Job Workforce Training Act .” The initiative proposes a modification to the state minimum wage requirements for those participating in experience-based training programs .

The legislative text establishes that employers are not required to pay this salary during the training period , provided that the worker participates in a formal apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program.

These workshops, which are educational and practical in nature, may not extend beyond nine months or two academic semesters equivalent to full-time .

Under the proposal, workers who voluntarily enter these programs will be able to temporarily waive base pay through a signed waiver, although employers must guarantee at least the federal minimum wage, currently set at $7.25 per hour .

The bill's author, Ryan Chamberlin, argued that the constitutionally mandated wage had become a restrictive factor for economic growth and job creation .

According to the legislator, automatic increases have adverse effects on small businesses and limit job placement opportunities for those with less experience.

“Wage controls are always implemented with good intentions, but they come with a decrease in opportunities,” the lawmaker told Newsweek . “ We must look for alternatives like professional development and continuing education to ensure employees acquire the skills necessary to compete in today's economy,” he added.

Chamberlin's initiative introduces a regulatory framework for so-called "work-based learning," which includes internships, structured study and employment programs, and supervised training periods . These schemes aim to provide practical experience to participants, especially young people entering the labor market for the first time.

The bill establishes that the waiver of the state minimum wage will be valid for a maximum of nine months, counted from the start of the employment relationship. After this period, the employer must pay the employee the base salary or a higher amount, without exception .

The exemption will only be valid if the employee voluntarily signs a statement of acknowledgement stating that they understand their right to the minimum wage and temporarily agree to receive a lower wage. For workers under 18, the document must be authorized by a parent or legal guardian .

Although its proponent claimed that this would benefit the state's economy and provide better opportunities for workers, equal rights advocates argued that it could lead to labor exploitation .

“Let’s face it, no worker ever truly gives up a fair wage . This bill offers no protection against employer coercion, fraud, or intimidation, which means criminals can and will exploit it, ” Jackson Oberlink of the Florida for All coalition told Newsweek .

Miami-Dade County union leader Satin Fye said the measure opens the door for businesses to exploit their workers, especially young people and low-income families . “This bill is anti-worker, anti-family, and anti-Florida,” he told a Florida House committee in April, as reported by Orlando Weekly .

Despite criticism, Chamberlin argues that HB 221 includes several limitations aimed at preventing abuse or undue pressure in the waiver process. Among them, it specifies that the employer cannot coerce or induce a person to sign the waiver . Any act of coercion would invalidate the agreement, which would maintain the person's right to base pay.

Furthermore, the proposal stipulates that the permit only applies to those actually participating in approved apprenticeship programs . Regular workers who are not affiliated with these programs are not permitted to apply.

The text also incorporates references to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which regulates minimum wages nationwide and defines employee rights nationwide . Under this law, only those covered by these provisions are eligible for the state exemption.

Florida's minimum wage is currently $14 per hour , following an increase implemented on September 30, 2025. This increase is part of a constitutional amendment passed in 2020 that established a series of progressive increases until reaching $15 per hour in 2026 .

Since its incorporation into the Florida constitution, this payment has been updated annually on September 30. The amount is automatically adjusted by one dollar annually until 2026, and beginning in 2027, it will be reviewed by the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation based on inflation and productivity indicators.

In contrast, the federal base wage has remained at $7.25 per hour since 2009. The difference between the two makes Florida's minimum wage one of the highest in the country, which has sparked debate about its impact on small businesses.

“As we artificially increase base pay, not only does our cost of living increase, but employees are forced out of the workforce, adding unintended consequences and stress to their families ,” Chamberlin said.

The legislator explained that practical training and continuing education are more effective mechanisms for improving employees' long-term economic conditions . He added that the measure could contribute to reducing labor costs, increasing productivity, and improving the competitiveness of small businesses.