On July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage increased to $7.25.  This increase has taken place incrementally over a two year period.  State and local governments can require higher wages be paid to employees within their boundaries.  Since Florida’s minimum wage was less than $7.25 per hour, the new hirer federal minimum wage will have the effect of increasing the Florida minimum to $7.25 per hour until the next annual increase in the Florida minimum wage when it adjusted for inflation.  For tipped employees, this new rate means covered employers must pay tipped employees $4.23 per hour for the first forty hours that a tip credit is taken, and $7.86 for overtime hours where a tip credit is taken.  If you believe you employer is not paying you the minimum wage, call Bober & Bober, P.A. for a free consultation.