MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - The Miami Beach City commission unanimously approved an ordinance establishing a city-wide minimum living wage increase.
The ordinance, which was first proposed by Mayor Philip Levine and co-sponsored by all six city commissioners, will take effect January 1, 2018, and gradually increase over four years until 2021. The minimum living wage will be first set at $10.31 and will increase over four years to $13.31.
The new minimum wage will apply to all workers employed in the City of Miami Beach and those covered by the federal minimum wage.
“Miami Beach is known worldwide for taking on its challenges with meaningful solutions,” said Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine in a statement. “Today, my colleagues joined me in passing legislation that addresses the growing gap between wages and the cost of living in South Florida by establishing a minimum living wage for our community.”
In 2004, Floridians voted to approve a constitutional amendment allowing municipalities to set a higher minimum wage than the state to reflect the higher cost of living in certain parts of the state.
“I am proud of our city for leading the way in reversing the trend that makes Florida a high cost, low wage state,” Levine said. “Cities throughout the United States have passed similar local minimum wage ordinances, and the evidence shows the positive impact they have had on the local economy. My sincere hope is that Governor Scott and Tallahassee will partner with communities like Miami Beach who have a higher cost of living and need to establish our own minimum wage so we can grow our economy and workforce.”
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