This year in the 2020 elections, Florida residents are voting on raising the minimum wage. This plan is more commonly known as the “$15 Minimum Wage Initiative” and will be listed as Amendment 2 on the ballot. The current minimum wage in Florida is $8.56 per hour; with this new initiative, the amount would increase to $10 per hour in September 2021. Following that, each year the wage will be increased one dollar until the minimum wage reaches $15 per hour. Florida for Fair Wage, the campaign for this law, states that we need this in order to ensure that all diligent Floridians can receive a living wage. The living wage is “the minimum cost that covers the basic needs of an individual and the needs of their family without government assistance.” As of 2020, seven states have passed bills for a $15 minimum wage to become effective incrementally. If the minimum wage initiative is approved, Florida would become the first state to increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour through a ballot measure. 

          On the other hand, the opposing side argues that “raising the cost of operating might not just cause some to hire fewer people. It can be expected to drive some out of business completely,” (Naples Daily News Editorial Board). Other’s say that this increase may fluctuate prices and the burden may shift onto regular Floridians. Either way, this initiative will have a large impact on the economy, please educate yourself and formulate your own opinion before voting.