What is the federal minimum wage?

The federal minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer can pay an employee for their work. In the United States, the minimum wage is set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). As of 2021, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. This rate applies to all full-time and part-time employees, regardless of age, including tipped employees such as waiters and bartenders. In Florida, the minimum wage is currently set at $8.65 per hour. This rate is slightly higher than the federal minimum wage due to an increase that was approved by the state government in 2020. Both the federal and state minimum wage amounts increase annually. The FLSA also sets the rules for employers when it comes to overtime pay. Employees who work over 40 hours per week are entitled to one and a half times their regular wage rate, as long as they earn at least the minimum wage. It is important to note that some states and cities have minimum wage rates that are higher than the federal rate. It is important to check with your local government to determine the specific wage laws in your area. Additionally, some employers may be subject to different wage laws depending on the type of work they do. For example, agricultural workers may be subject to different wage laws than those who work in retail.

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