Memphis cannot set a private-employer minimum wage. Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-51-1802 preempts local wage ordinances. Tennessee has no state minimum wage statute, so federal FLSA $7.25/hour applies. Tipped wage: $2.13/hour cash + tips equaling $7.25.
Tennessee's wage preemption statute (Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-51-1802) prohibits local governments from adopting minimum wage rules that exceed state or federal law. Because Tennessee has not enacted a state minimum wage, the federal FLSA $7.25/hour rate (29 U.S.C. § 206) governs. Memphis adopted a $15.50/hour living wage for full-time City employees and direct contractors (Memphis Living Wage Ordinance, Code Ch. 4-29), most recently increased by Council resolution, but this does not extend to private employers operating in Memphis. The Shelby County government has a parallel living-wage policy. Enforcement of $7.25 is federal — U.S. DOL Wage & Hour Division has the Tennessee field office in Nashville.
All minimum-wage enforcement in Tennessee is federal under FLSA. Remedies under 29 U.S.C. § 216(b) include back wages, equal liquidated damages for willful violations, civil money penalties up to $2,374 per repeat violation, and 2-year (3-year willful) statute of limitations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Memphis, TN
The City of Memphis does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allow...
Memphis, TN
Memphis has no ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind and severe weather (thun...
Memphis, TN
Memphis does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. Holiday-light regulation in Memphis is overwhelming...
Memphis, TN
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Memphis require permits from Construction Code Enforcement for gas-line installation, electrical work, plumbing, and any structu...
Memphis, TN
Memphis - the global capital of dry-rub barbecue - has no smoker-specific ordinance for single-family use, and the cultural and culinary tradition of backyar...
Memphis, TN
Memphis adopts the International Fire Code through Chapter 9 (Fire Prevention) with local amendments, including IFC Section 308 prohibiting open-flame cookin...
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