NFIB Florida Legislative Director Tim Nungesser testified in support of House Bill 541 and Senate Bill 676, legislation that would allow small business employers to opt out of the state-mandated minimum wage for specified employees.

Nungesser explained to members of the House Careers & Workforce subcommittee the hiring challenges facing Florida’s small businesses and how this legislation would give small employers the option to defer to the federal minimum wage for younger and less experienced workers.

“This is a problem nationwide; it’s not just here in Florida. States are looking for ways to get more skilled workers, and one of the ways we can do that is with this voluntary program – and I will emphasize that this is a voluntary program. And I did want to say that I think one of the things we are targeting here is younger workers, getting them some more experience working in these professions,” said Nungesser.

NFIB’s recent jobs report showed that 38% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill, the highest reading since August 2024. Overall, 53% of small business owners reported hiring or trying to hire for their open positions.

Watch the hearing here (Nungesser’s testimony begins around the 1:21:25 mark).