Speaking of ballot initiatives, as a result of the successful minimum wage initiative last year in the Sunshine State, the Florida minimum wage increased as of last Thursday, September 30, 2021 from the former minimum of $8.56 per hour to the new minimum of $10/hour. The 17 percent jump in the state minimum represents the first in a 6-step phase-in to a $15 wage by 2026. From this point forward, the minimum will increase by $1 per hour each September 30 until it caps off at $15/hour in September 2026. Subsequently, the Florida minimum wage will be tethered to the inflation rate and adjust annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index. The initiative, approved by 61% of Florida voters in the general election last November, is the first to raise a state minimum wage to $15 via ballot initiative.