There are overtime laws in place in Florida to protect employees’ rights and ensure that they get paid fairly for their work. As an employee who’s protected under Florida’s overtime laws, it’s crucial to know your rights. By understanding Florida’s overtime laws, you can ensure that you’re getting paid fairly for your work and seek legal assistance if your employer violates the Fair Labor Standards Act or FLSA.
Florida’s Overtime Laws
Florida law states that all non-exempt Florida employees have to be granted overtime compensation for hours worked that exceed a 40-hour workweek. If employees in positions that call for physical labor work for more than 10 hours in a shift, they can also qualify for overtime compensation for the hours that exceed the 10-hour mark.
Which Employees Are Exempt?
Employees aren’t covered by FLSA overtime wage laws if they meet the following two conditions:
- They work in an administrative, executive, professional, outside sales, or computer-related position.
- They earn a salary that meets or exceeds $684 per week or $35,568 per year.
Which Employees Qualify?
The positions that are covered by FLSA overtime laws are generally considered “blue-collar” positions. These include cashiers, carpenters, factory workers, electricians, firefighters, police officers, and paramedics, among others.
Minimum Wage and Overtime Rates
In January 2021, Florida minimum wage, including overtime rates, was changed with the goal of reaching a $15 per hour minimum wage by 2026. As of January 1st, 2021, the minimum wage was $8.65 per hour with an overtime rate of $12.98 per hour. On September 30, 2021, that rate increased to $10 per hour with an overtime rate of $15 per hour.
Each year until 2026 on September 30th, Florida’s minimum wage will increase by $1 per hour, and the overtime rate will increase by $1.50 per hour.
If you haven’t received your rightful compensation for overtime work, contact Weldon & Rothman, PL. Our attorneys have extensive experience in recovering compensation for current or former employees who haven’t been paid in accordance with Florida law. Reach out to us for a consultation.