Florida’s minimum wage increased from $8.65 an hour to $10 dollars an hour effective Thursday – representing the largest percentage increase in the state’s history. It stems from a constitutional amendment passed last year to increase the state’s minimum wage by $1 dollar every year starting in 2022, to reach $15 dollars an hour by September 30th, 2026. After that, increases would be "adjusted annually for inflation" as of September 30th, 2027. The state's measure continues to draw praise from supporters, who say it aligns with a need to create a "living wage," and sharp opposition from critics, who say it will have damaging effects on the long-term economy.