Litigating Minimum Wage Claims

Minimum wage laws require an employee be paid a minimum wage per hour. Minimum Wage Laws may apply whether you were paid hourly, salary, by the piece.  You are entitled to minimum wages even if you are paid in cash. You are entitled to minimum wages even when your time records or paystubs do not correctly reflect the hours you worked. Minimum wages may vary by state.

In Florida, the minimum wages are as follows:

• January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007: $6.67 per hour;
• January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008: $6.79 per hour;
• January 1, 2009 through July 23, 2009: $7.21 per hour;
• July 24, 2009 through May 31, 2011: $7.25 per hour;
• June 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011: $7.31 per hour;
• January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012: $7.67 per hour;
• January 1, 2013 through the present time: $7.79 per hour.

Common violations include:

• Working off-the-clock. You are required to work hours that you are not being paid for, even though your paycheck reflects you are being paid at the minimum wage.

• “Bounced Checks.” Insufficient funds when you try to deposit the check (“check bounces”).

• Break Time. Deducting time for meal or rest breaks while being required to work during the time. If your meal period is subject to interruption, you may also be entitled to compensation or overtime pay

• Uniforms. It is unlawful for a uniform deduction to bring an employee’s wages below the minimum wage.

• Failing to pay wages on date they are due. Employers are required to pay employees their wages on the date they are customarily due. Employers cannot withhold wages, absent extraordinary circumstances.

• Withholding last paycheck. The employer cannot withhold the last paycheck, absent extraordinary circumstances. An employee that does not receive their last paycheck is entitled to recover the amount.

• Tipped Employees. Tipped employees have special considerations. Click here for more information.

The examples set forth above do not represent all forms of minimum wage claims. Our firm has extensive experience in litigating minimum wage claims.  Our firm’s employment attorneys can help you recover the wages you are owed. However, there are some exemptions that apply to minimum wages. Our attorneys can help you determine what your rights are with respect to your facts. If you believe you were not paid all of your overtime wages or have any other question regarding your pay, contact us today or call (305) 448-9292.