Florida Minimum Wage Now $14/Hour: What It Means for Imputed Income in Family Law Cases

Effective September 30, 2025, Florida's minimum wage increases to $14.00 per hour. For

full-time workers, this translates to an annual income of $29,120.00 and an average monthly income of $2,426.67. This increase follows the approval of a state constitutional amendment by Florida voters on November 3, 2020, aimed at gradually raising the minimum wage each year. For more details see the Florida Commerce Notice to Employees.

This increased minimum wage carries substantial importance, especially in family law cases. Courts may impute income at minimum wage for individuals deemed voluntarily underemployed for purposes of calculating child support, alimony, and other support payments. Imputed income is a term that means the income that someone could be earning, not just what they report. With a higher minimum wage, the baseline for those support calculations just went up.

The Importance of Minimum Wage in Family Law

In family law cases, especially those dealing with child support and alimony, the court evaluates the income of both parties to set financial responsibilities. If one party is voluntarily underemployed, meaning they earn less than they potentially can, the judge may assign income based on the minimum wage.

The Basics of Voluntary Underemployment

Voluntary underemployment happens when someone voluntarily chooses to work fewer hours or take a lower-paying job than their qualifications allow without a good justification. In family law cases, courts can impute income as a way to prevent individuals from evading their financial obligations. For example, if a skilled worker accepts a part-time role paying $12.00 per hour, they risk being considered underemployed as the minimum wage now reflects $14.00 and full-time work is usually considered 40 hours per week. As the minimum wage increases, the definition of reasonable income is likely to expand.

Preparing for the Change

Those engaged in family law cases should proactively prepare for the upcoming minimum wage changes. Understanding how courts interpret income and employment status can help individuals make more informed decisions about their work and finances and understand the possibilities of how the court may impute income.

Consulting with a family law attorney is a wise step. An experienced attorney can offer tailored advice on how the new minimum wage might affect specific situations. They can provide insights into effectively presenting income and job status, and helping to ensure individuals aren't unfairly penalized in court. Remaining informed and seeking legal counsel will help individuals better prepare for these changes.

Disclaimer: This post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is a broad overview and does not apply to your specific situation. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction for advice regarding your individual circumstances.