A Minimum Wage Boost Would Improve Equity for 2.5 Million Floridians and Bolster the State’s Post-Pandemic Recovery

On November 3, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether 2.5 million working Floridians receive a wage increase: Amendment 2 seeks to gradually increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026. As with all constitutional amendments, 60 percent of voters must vote in favor of Amendment 2 for it to become law.

Using the minimum wage simulation model developed by Economic Policy Institute, this report finds that by 2026, the proposed $15 minimum wage would:

  • increase wages for 2.5 million Floridians, over 26 percent of the workforce;
  • help lift households out of poverty;
  • bring workers of all ages closer to a living wage;
  • benefit Florida’s service sector workers the most; and
  • reduce pay inequities experienced by women and people of color.