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New Wage To Be $7.21

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By LINDSAY PETERSON

lpeterson@tampatrib.com

Published: December 30, 2008

The minimum wage across Florida goes up 42 cents Thursday, from $6.79 per hour to $7.21 per hour. It's the largest jump since the state established a minimum wage in 2005 and tied annual increases to the consumer price index.

The new wage applies to all workers across Florida covered by the federal minimum wage law. The federal government also sets a minimum wage but Florida's is higher, and according to federal law the higher wage prevails.

The Florida wage amounts to $288 for a 40-hour week.

Workers will see another increase in July, when the minimum wage established by Congress rises to $7.25.

The wage rules are a little different for workers who rely on tips. As of Thursday, they are to receive a direct wage of $4.19. That is the state minimum wage minus a $3.02 "tip credit."

The wage hike represents a 6.2 percent increase in the consumer price index, which is set by the federal government. Last year's increase was only 1.8 percent.

For information on wages, including how to bring a case against an employer who is violating the law, go to www.dol.gov/dol/ compliance/comp-flsa.htm.

Reporter Lindsay Peterson can be reached at (813) 259-7834.

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