As happens every year, state governments in the United States have begun announcing, over the past few weeks, the tax and legal changes that will take effect in 2026, with the aim of informing the public about the new regulations in advance.
One of the most relevant and socially impactful adjustments is the increase in the minimum wage, a measure that varies by state and aims to address the rising cost of living and inflation.
Minimum wage increase in the United States: What you need to know
The minimum wage in the United States is not uniform, as each state has the authority to set its own rate. While some jurisdictions implement increases on January 1, others do so mid-year or on specific dates.
In this context, Florida joins the list of states that have confirmed a wage adjustment for workers, benefiting millions of people across various economic sectors.
Minimum wage in Florida: phased increase to 5 per hour
As of September 30, the minimum wage in Florida was set at 14 per hour, following the approval of an amendment that increased the hourly pay by one dollar.
The current legislation stipulates that:
- Every September 30, the minimum wage will increase by one dollar.
- The goal is to reach 15 per hour.
- The increase is due both to a legislative decision and to inflation adjustments.
Therefore, the minimum wage in Florida will be adjusted again in September 2026, when the next scheduled increase takes effect.
Salary adjustments will continue in 2026 despite the suspension of the fixed increase
Although the initiative for an automatic annual one-dollar increase is formally suspended in 2026, the minimum wage will continue to be adjusted. This is because the law provides for cost-of-living adjustments, ensuring that wages maintain their purchasing power in the face of inflation.
This mechanism seeks to protect workers from rising housing, food, and basic services prices.
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Other states that will raise the minimum wage
Florida is not the only state that has announced improvements in workers’ income. Among the entities that will also implement minimum wage increases are:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- South Dakota
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
These adjustments reflect a national trend aimed at improving working conditions and mitigating the effects of inflation.
Ron DeSantis presents the “Floridians First” budget
In parallel with the announcement of the salary increase, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis presented the fiscal budget for next year, titled “Floridians First.”
The proposal includes a 117.4 million increase, with a strategic allocation of resources:
- 16.75 million allocated to reserves
- 250 million for state debt reduction
Florida maintains a surplus and a historic debt reduction
According to official information, DeSantis highlighted that since the beginning of his administration, Florida has maintained a policy of fiscal responsibility.
«Since I took office as governor, we’ve had budget surpluses, reduced the state’s inherited debt by more than 50%, and enacted record tax relief», the governor said.
He also assured that the new budget will allow Florida to consolidate its position as one of the most economically stable states in the country.
