The bill amends section 448.110 of the Florida Statutes to establish new provisions regarding state minimum wage requirements for certain employees engaged in structured work-based learning opportunities, such as internships and pre-apprenticeships. Specifically, it allows employers to be exempt from state minimum wage requirements for these employees if they voluntarily opt out by signing a waiver. The bill stipulates that these work-based learning opportunities cannot exceed nine months or two full-time semesters, and it includes provisions to ensure that employees, particularly minors, are not coerced into opting out of the minimum wage.

Additionally, the bill mandates that employers must pay employees at least the federal minimum wage, regardless of their participation in the waiver program. The waiver to opt out of the state minimum wage is only valid for nine months from the start of employment, after which employees must be compensated at or above the state minimum wage. The bill also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the law is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 541 Filed: 448.110
H 541 c1: 448.110
H 541 c2: 448.110