The proposed bill, titled the "On-the-Job Workforce Training Act," amends section 448.110 of the Florida Statutes to introduce new provisions regarding minimum wage requirements for certain employees. It exempts employers from state minimum wage obligations for employees participating in structured work-study programs, internships, pre-apprenticeship programs, or similar work-based learning opportunities, provided these opportunities do not exceed nine months or two full-time semesters of at least 15 credit hours each. Additionally, employees may voluntarily opt out of the state minimum wage by signing a waiver, which must acknowledge their right to the state minimum wage and confirm their understanding of the implications of opting out. Employers are prohibited from coercing employees into signing such waivers.

The bill also stipulates that if an employee is under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver for it to be valid. Employers are required to pay at least the federal minimum wage to all employees, and any waiver to opt out of the state minimum wage is only valid for nine months from the start of employment. After this period, employees must be compensated at or above the state minimum wage, regardless of their job title or position. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1412 Filed: 448.110