Florida Lawmakers Advance Bill Allowing Minimum Wage Exemptions for Trainees

The Florida House and Senate are advancing legislation that would allow certain workers, such as interns and those in work-study programs, to be paid below the state's minimum wage for up to 12 months. Supported by the Republican-controlled House Careers & Workforce Subcommittee and the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee, the bills would enable employees to 'opt out' of receiving minimum wage. Bill sponsor Ryan Chamberlin argues this change is necessary to provide training opportunities for unskilled workers, claiming the current minimum wage law inhibits such programs. However, critics, including Florida AFL-CIO lobbyist Rich Templin, warn that the legislation could lead to exploitation as employers might redefine job roles to circumvent minimum wage requirements. Opponents also express concern that this move undermines a voter-approved constitutional amendment for gradual minimum wage increases. The bills are set to face further scrutiny in upcoming committee meetings before reaching the House floor.