This information is for general orientation only and does not constitute legal, tax or medical advice. Always verify with the official sources cited.

Work legally in Florida

Minimum Wage and Tips in Florida

  • Minimum:$14/hr
  • Tips:$9.98/h (subminimum)
  • Paid family leave: No statewide programs (federal unpaid FMLA only)
  • Maximum weekly unemployment: approximately $275 (if you qualify — F-1 usually doesn’t)

CPT and OPT: practice sequence

  1. See DSO: CPT eligibility (usually after 1 academic year, linked to curriculum).
  2. Job offer consistent with the major; letter dated for SEVIS.
  3. Update I-20 with CPT endorsement before starting.
  4. For OPT: request 90 days in advance, USCIS fee, waiting for EAD card.
  5. Store every pay stub; check federal withholdings.

Florida’s only job reads

  • At will: at-will
  • Non-competes: enforceable
  • OSHA: Federal OSHA (DOL regions)

On-campus vs. off-campus

  • On-campus— Up to 20 hours/week per term; CPT is not needed in many cases (check DSO policy).
  • Off-campus CPT— Must be integral to the program; part-time hours in session.
  • OPT / STEM OPT— After completion or during thesis in some cases; limited unemployment days.

Payroll taxes

In Florida there are no state payroll withholdings, but FICA (if applicable) and federal tax remain.

Mistakes that cost your status

  • Work before CPT/OPT approval.
  • Exceeding permitted hours or working for an unauthorized employer.
  • Do not report job loss to the DSO during OPT (unemployment days).
  • Accept “cash” work below minimum without documentation.

STEM OPT and grace period

  • 24-month extension for USCIS-listed STEM majors — verify course CIP code.
  • Report employment every 6 months on myUSCIS during STEM OPT.
  • 90 cumulative days of unemployment during standard OPT; 150 during STEM (check current rules).

Typical on-campus jobs

  • Dining, library, recreation, research assistant (often linked to major).
  • Minimum hourly payment $14 — check pay stub.

Sources

Generators

Never use indoor generators — monoxide is deadly.

Quick reference

Hurricanes priority #1; crime varies Miami vs college town. Alligators in swamps — ok, but respect signs.

  • 911
  • Hurricane season Jun-Nov
  • Flood + wind prep
  • Lightning frequent

Practical safety

Miami: beware rental scam summer.

  • Do not drive in flood water
  • Lock doors hurricane party scams
  • Bike night lights if bike-friendly campus

Hurricanes

Follow county alert; campus closes early.

  • Evacuation zones
  • 3 day water kit

Rights and actions

State-specific rule
  • Florida DOL
  • HUD housing
  • Small claims up to $8,000

Emergencies

  • 911
  • 988
  • AlertFlorida app

Ranked 32 of 50 for minimum wage

Ranked 3 of 50 for max unemployment

State-specific data for Florida: Work

Data verified: 2026-03

Federal rule — same in all states

Regola federale — CPT/OPT/STEM OPT: stesse regole USCIS in tutti gli stati; rispetta anche leggi salariali locali

Minimum wage$14/hr ⚠️
Tipped subminimum$9.98/hr ⚠️
At-will employmentat-will
Non-compete agreementsenforceable
Paid family leaveNessun programma statewide (solo FMLA federale non retribuito)
OSHA coverageFederal OSHA (regioni DOL)
Max weekly unemployment$275 ⚠️

Sources: DOL · DOL state labor

Official U.S. sources

Informational summary only—always read the latest official pages. Not legal, tax, or medical advice.

Immigration status, student employment, work authorization

Rules for F/M/J students, CPT/OPT, and Form I-765 are published by USCIS. Confirm the current page before starting any work.

Work, wages, and international taxation

Minimum wage and overtime: DOL topics. International taxpayer obligations and resources: IRS international taxpayers hub.