Tipped Minimum Wage in Florida and Georgia: Understanding Your Rights
Every day, hardworking individuals in Florida and Georgia put in long hours, dedicating their energy and talent to their jobs. They work to support their families, to better their lives, and to contribute to our community. These workers, especially those in tipped positions, often handle complex wage systems that can be difficult to understand. It's easy to overlook how tipped wages work, particularly when you're focused on the daily demands of your job. At The Leach Firm, P.A., we believe that no one should be in the dark about their earnings. We are committed to ensuring that tipped workers in Florida and Georgia understand their rights and receive the wages they have earned and deserve.
Understanding Tipped Minimum Wage in Florida and Georgia
Both Florida and Georgia, like many other states, maintain a tipped minimum wage system. This practice allows employers to pay workers a lower base wage as long as they make up the rest in tips, ultimately reaching the state's minimum wage. For example, if Florida's minimum wage is $11 per hour, employers are required to pay a base wage of at least $7.98 per hour to their tipped employees. The balance of $3.02 per hour is expected to come from the employee's tips. However, if the tips do not cover the balance, the employer is required to make up the difference.
Why Might You Need a Lawyer?
Employers sometimes violate tipped minimum wage regulations, whether deliberately or due to lack of understanding the law. Such violations could include retaining a portion of the tips, miscalculating wages, or even assigning tipped employees to non-tipped work without adjusting their pay. It's crucial to know that these practices are not only unethical but illegal. As attorneys serving Florida and Georgia, we at The Leach Firm, P.A., can help you understand your rights, pursue back wages, and ensure future compliance from your employer.
Wage Disputes and Legal Assistance
If you are a tipped employee and suspect that you are not receiving the full compensation you deserve, or if your employer is not adhering to the laws surrounding tipped minimum wage in Florida or Georgia, it may be time to seek legal assistance. We understand how overwhelming wage disputes can be, and we are here to help. We can navigate the legal complexities for you, while you focus on what matters - doing your job and earning your living.
Pursuing Fair Compensation and Future Compliance
The Leach Firm, P.A. is committed to seeking justice for employees who have experienced wage theft. We will not only fight for your compensation, but we will also work to ensure that your employer understands and complies with the wage laws in the future. By taking a stand, you are not only securing your rights but also helping to protect the rights of your fellow employees.
Stand Up for Your Rights with The Leach Firm, P.A.
At The Leach Firm, P.A., we have served the people of Florida and Georgia since 2004 in fights against workplace discrimination, personal injury, and worker’s compensation cases. We fight aggressively against age discrimination by employers and want to help our clients receive the treatment they deserve for their years of experience. Call us at The Leach Firm at 844-722-7567 or contact us online to get a free case evaluation with an age discrimination lawyer in Florida or Georgia. We are ready to listen to your concerns, advise you on your rights, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
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Why am I being paid less than minimum wage?
For the most part, workers must be paid a wage that complies with both federal and Florida minimum wage standards. However, there are some job exceptions to the minimum wage requirement, including:
- Independent contractors
- Tipped employees (e.g., restaurant servers)
- Young workers
- Student workers
- Farm workers
Unless an employee falls under an exception, they must receive minimum wage.
What are the laws concerning employees who receive tips?
Under the law, tipped employees may receive less than minimum wage so long as they receive enough tips to make up the difference.
- Tip credits: Tip credits allow employers to "credit" the employees' tips toward satisfying the minimum wage requirements. However, when an employee is performing non-tipped tasks unrelated to tipped duties, the employer may not claim a tip credit for those hours.
- Tip Pooling: Employers are allowed to pool employees' tips and share them among all employees. By law, employers are not permitted to keep any portion of the gratuity from the tip pool.
What can I do if my employer is breaking the overtime or minimum wage laws?
If your employer is violating federal or state wage laws, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor or file a lawsuit to seek compensation. Employees usually find it helpful to work with a dedicated wage attorney who can protect their rights and help take advantage of all available remedies.
Recover Your Lost Wages with the Help of a Skilled Florida and Georgia Employment Law Attorney
When your employer has treated you unfairly, either through wage theft, unlawful discrimination, or other practices, you can count on the experienced attorneys at The Leach Firm, P.A. to fight for your rights. Contact us to schedule a free comprehensive consultation in English or Spanish.