Several laws have recently gone into effect in Florida over the past month. The legislature is currently meeting for their annual session, and we will likely see many more laws that will be implemented this summer. However, for now, it is important to stay updated on the current, new Florida laws.
Florida Law on Minimum Wage
For those of you who do not know, in 2004, the Florida legislature passed a law that mandated the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity adjusts the minimum wage annually based on changes in the federal consumer price index. This year, the minimum wage was raised 15 cents, from $8.10 to $8.25. This 15-cent increase has been the largest increase the state has seen since 2012.
Florida’s state minimum wage is currently much higher than the federal minimum wage, which is set currently at $7.25. While Florida doesn’t have the highest minimum wage throughout the United States, it certainly doesn’t have the lowest. In Georgia, the minimum wage is $7.25, while in California the wage is $7.25.
Court’s will step in for Child Custody
A new law has now made it that a court will step in if divorced parents cannot decide on a time-share arrangement for the children. The implementation of a new standard plan will soon take place. This plan will be for parents who cannot agree on a plan, and is as follows:
- Every other weekend from Friday at 6 PM to Sunday at 6 PM
- One evening per week
- All holiday breaks: Thanksgiving, winter, spring break, and summer break
Florida State Employees Retirement Programs
This law, which started at the beginning of the year, has made the default retirement system for state employees: Florida’s investment savings program. While you can still choose a different program, like for instance, the state’s pension program, this investment savings program is quite similar to a traditional 401k account.
The newly enacted investment program is largely variable. The returns on the program are driven by the current markets. Specifically, investments, chosen by the state effect, the success of this program. The state permits implementation of this investment program into a 401k program after six months leaving your state job. This is assuming you do not get another state job.
Florida Legislative Session 2018
While we have seen several laws that have gone into effect already, the legislators are currently meeting in Tallahassee. We will likely several more laws passed. One of the more highly debated topics right now is gun control. Recently, we saw a violent, dangerous attack on a Florida high school over the past week. With over seventeen killed, legislators will soon start to debate gun control.
Additional Florida Law in 2018
For any additional changes in Florida Law that are passed and signed into law by the Florida Governor, we will keep you informed If you have a legal question, don’t hesitate to contact our firm. Consultations today, call our Sebastian Office (772) 589-5500 or Vero Beach Office (772) 774-7771. Or fill out a Case Evaluation here.