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The Florida House and Senate are advancing a bill that would allow certain workers to be paid less than the state's minimum wage. This proposal, which received support from House and Senate committees on Tuesday (March 25), targets employees involved in work-study, internship, pre-apprenticeship, or similar programs. The legislation would permit these workers to earn below the minimum wage for up to 12 months.
Bill sponsor Ryan Chamberlin argues that the current minimum wage law hinders employers from offering training opportunities. He stated, "An unintended consequence of Florida’s constitutional minimum wage is that it cripples an employer’s ability to provide unique opportunities for unskilled workers." Chamberlin acknowledged that large companies like Target could potentially misuse the bill, but he defended its intent to increase opportunities for young and unskilled workers.
However, critics, including Florida AFL-CIO lobbyist Rich Templin, express concerns that the bill could lead to exploitation. Templin warned that employers might redefine job roles to avoid paying minimum wage, saying, "If this passes as it is, you literally will be allowing business owners to make all of their employees an intern, a work-study, or what have you."
The bill faces opposition from Democrats and labor advocates who fear it might undermine the 2020 state constitutional amendment that mandates gradual increases in the minimum wage. The current minimum wage is $13 per hour, set to rise to $14 in September and reach $15 by 2026. The bill's next stop is the House Careers & Workforce Subcommittee, followed by the Commerce Committee. If passed, the changes would take effect on July 1.