Federal Minimum Wage and State Variations Highlight Wage Theft Concerns
The federal minimum wage in the United States has been set at $7.25 per hour since July 1, 2009. However, many states have established higher minimum wage rates, with Washington state planning to reach $17.13 per hour by 2026. Despite these standards, wage theft and overtime violations are prevalent, particularly in South Florida's major industries such as hospitality, construction, and healthcare. Employers often fail to pay overtime, misclassify employees, or require off-the-clock work. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Florida's state laws provide protections against such practices, offering remedies like back pay and liquidated damages. 
