JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s minimum wage has nearly doubled over the last four years — rising from just over $8 an hour in 2021 to $14 as of today. The increase stems from a voter-approved ballot measure designed to help low-wage workers cover the rising cost of living.

For tipped employees, the base pay is now set at $10.98 an hour. The minimum wage is scheduled to climb again next year, reaching $15 an hour in 2026.

But for some small businesses, the changes come with challenges. Alex Spengler, owner of Urban Grind Coffee Shop in Jacksonville, says the rising labor costs weigh heavily on revenue.

“As far as the cost for labor, it already takes a very high fraction of the revenue of small businesses,” Spengler said. “This rise from $12 up to $15 over the past couple years is really

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