Full guide
Process, exceptions, and official sources
Every step in order, with exceptions, special cases and official sources.
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
- See DSO: CPT eligibility (usually after 1 academic year, linked to curriculum).
- Job offer consistent with the major; letter dated for SEVIS.
- Update I-20 with CPT endorsement before starting.
- For OPT: request 90 days in advance, USCIS fee, waiting for EAD card.
- 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
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.
Practical safety
Miami: beware rental scam summer.
Hurricanes
Follow county alert; campus closes early.
- Evacuation zones
- 3 day water kit
Rights and actions
Emergencies
Ranked 32 of 50 for minimum wage
Ranked 3 of 50 for maximum unemployment benefit
State-specific data for Florida: Work
Data verified: 2026-03
Federal rule: CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT follow the same USCIS rules in every state; local wage laws also apply
| Minimum wage | $14/hr ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Tipped minimum wage | $9.98/hr ⚠️ |
| At-will employment | at-will |
| Non-compete agreements | enforceable |
| Paid family leave | No statewide programme; only unpaid federal FMLA applies |
| OSHA coverage | Federal OSHA (DOL regions) |
| Maximum weekly unemployment benefit | $275 ⚠️ |
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor — State minimum wage laws · OSHA — State Plans · USCIS — Students and employment
Official sources and verification
3 HTTPS sources are already linked where they are used in the guide.
Open additional sources and verification details
Official U.S. sources
Informational summary only—always read the latest official pages. Not legal, tax, or medical advice.
Rules for F/M/J students, CPT/OPT, and Form I-765 are published by USCIS. Confirm the current page before starting any work.
Minimum wage and overtime: DOL topics. International taxpayer obligations and resources: IRS international taxpayers hub.