1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB 541 and its companion bill, SB 676. These bills seek to undermine the will of Florida voters by allowing employers to pay workers—including interns, apprentices, and other “work-based learners”—less than the state-mandated minimum wage. This is a direct attack on fair wages and would disproportionately harm young people, students, and vulnerable workers. Minimum wage protections exist for a reason. Florida voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to gradually raise the minimum wage to ensure that no one working full-time is forced into poverty. Allowing employers to pressure workers into “opting out” of minimum wage requirements creates a dangerous loophole that will be exploited by bad actors. Workers should not have to “choose” between unfair wages and no job at all. Furthermore, the argument that Florida’s minimum wage “cripples” employers ignores the reality of our rising cost of living. Housing, food, transportation, and basic necessities are already unaffordable for many Floridians. A $15-per-hour minimum wage barely covers survival, let alone economic stability. Undermining these protections will only make it harder for Floridians to build a future. I urge you to vote NO on HB 541 and SB 676 and instead support policies that protect workers from exploitation, strengthen wage protections, and ensure fair compensation for all employees. I appreciate your time and look forward to your response on this critical issue.