CS/HB 221, titled the "On-the-Job Workforce Training Act," amends Florida’s minimum wage law to create an exemption from the state minimum wage for certain employees participating in structured work-study, internship, preapprenticeship, or similar work-based learning opportunities. The bill defines what qualifies as a work-based learning opportunity and requires that the experience be educationally structured, developmentally appropriate, documented, and designed to provide authentic on-the-job training and career-field proficiency.
The bill limits how long these wage-exempt placements may last. In general, the exemption may not exceed 252 days, or two semesters if the employee is earning school credit; for employees under 18, the limit is 126 days, or one semester if earning credit. The bill also allows employees to voluntarily waive the state minimum wage by signing a waiver, but prohibits employers from coercing that choice. For minors, the waiver is only effective if a parent or guardian also signs. After the work-based learning opportunity ends, the employee must be paid at or above the state minimum wage regardless of job title or position.
Impact
The bill would amend s. 448.110, Florida Statutes, which governs the state minimum wage, by adding a new statutory exemption and waiver process tied to work-based learning programs. It would effectively allow certain interns, trainees, and preapprenticeship participants to be paid below Florida’s state minimum wage, so long as they are in qualifying programs and either fall within the statutory exemption or voluntarily waive the wage right under the bill’s conditions. Outside those exceptions, employers would still need to pay at least the federal minimum wage, and once the training period ends, the employee must be returned to state minimum wage coverage.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill has received majority support in committee, passing the House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee 11-6 and the House Careers & Workforce Subcommittee 11-5. That pattern indicates a generally favorable reception among supporters who likely view the measure as a workforce development and training bill. No committee transcripts were provided, so there is no recorded debate text to show broader public or member sentiment beyond the committee votes.
Contention
The main point of contention is the bill’s creation of a state minimum wage exemption for trainees and interns, which opponents may view as weakening wage protections or creating opportunities for abuse. The waiver provision is also likely controversial because it permits employees to opt out of the state minimum wage, even though the bill bars coercion and adds extra safeguards for minors. Supporters appear to emphasize structured training, career preparation, and workforce development, while critics are likely focused on whether the exemption could be used to pay workers less than the state minimum under the guise of training.