A proposed bill that would allow some workers in Florida to earn less than the minimum wage is gaining attention in the Gulf Coast.
Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, proposed Senate Bill 676 ( SB 676 ), which would permit businesses to pay workers below the minimum wage during what they call a training period. The Republican-controlled Commerce and Tourism Committee voted 5-3 along party lines to approve the measure.
Some residents of Fort Myers support the bill, including Lee County Libertarian Party co-chair Joshua Krakow.
"I'm for any deregulation of government,” he said. “I think that economies, when you look at history, thrive much better when government intervention is minimal."
However, Seed and Bean business owner Cole Peacock opposes the bill.
“I think it's always interesting when lawmakers—many of whom have never signed the back of a paycheck—propose these changes,” he said. “I don't think it necessarily makes sense to pay someone a lower rate just for training.”
The bill aims to make it legal to pay certain workers less than the minimum wage if they are part of a structured work-study program or internship.
Currently, the minimum wage in Florida is $13 an hour, but it is set to increase to $14 in September.
Sen. Jonathan Martin said he proposed this bill to help young people gain work experience without having to enroll in college.
“Frankly, I think it's quite ludicrous,” said Florida Gulf Coast University student Jenna Knutson.
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Many students seek hands-on experience to build their résumés but do not want to do so at a financial cost.
“I think that if you're putting in the work, showing up, and working just as hard as every other employee, why should I be making less?” Knutson said. “It's like getting paid in exposure—that doesn’t pay for my groceries. I shouldn’t have to sacrifice my daily life just to gain experience.”
FGCU Director of the Regional Economic Research Institute and Assistant Professor of Economics Amir Nato said the bill could have both positive and negative effects.
“I think, on the one hand, reducing regulations can be interesting because it allows people and businesses more flexibility in decision-making,” Nato said. “Fewer regulations can sometimes lead to positive market-driven outcomes.”
However, the potential impact on the economy remains uncertain if the bill is enacted.
“There are several challenges this bill could present from the employee’s perspective,” Nato said. “Employees would need to acknowledge that they understand they are being paid below minimum wage, and there are existing judicial statutes that prevent such practices.”
Martin stated that if the bill passes, he would be willing to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure companies do not exploit it as a loophole to underpay employees.