The proposed bill, titled the "On-the-Job Workforce Training Act," amends section 448.110 of the Florida Statutes to introduce specific exemptions from state minimum wage requirements for certain employees participating in structured work-based learning opportunities, such as internships and pre-apprenticeship programs. Employers will not be required to pay the state minimum wage to these employees if they voluntarily opt out by signing a waiver. However, the duration of such work-based learning opportunities is limited to a maximum of nine months or two full-time semesters, each consisting of at least 15 credit hours.

Additionally, the bill establishes that employees under 18 years of age must have their waiver signed by a parent or guardian for it to be valid. Employers are prohibited from coercing employees into opting out of the state minimum wage, and they must still pay at least the federal minimum wage to all employees not covered by the exemption. The waiver allowing employees to opt out of the state minimum wage is only valid for nine months from the start of their employment, after which they must be compensated at or above the state minimum wage. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 221 Filed: 448.110