Florida’s minimum wage will increase by $1 to $14 per hour on September 30, with tipped employee wages rising to $10.98, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The wage increase comes as small businesses across Southwest Florida continue to face mounting financial pressures from rising operational costs, forcing many to close permanently over the past two years, according to Robert Podgorski, owner of Green Cup Cafe
Watch Fort Myers Community Correspondent Miyoshi Price’s report:
Fort Myers cafe owner adapts as Florida minimum wage hits $14
His business has been preparing for the wage increase by paying employees above minimum wage rates even before the mandate…