Georgia Minimum Wage Preemption Under HB 234

Under O.C.G.A. 34-4-3.1, Georgia preempts local minimum wage ordinances. Counties and municipalities may not require employers to pay wages higher than the state minimum (currently $5.15 for non-FLSA-covered employers) or the federal minimum of $7.25 for FLSA-covered work. Local rules dictating wage rates, vacation, sick pay, or other employment benefits for private employers are void. The statute also restricts local prevailing wage requirements on private projects. Tipped wages and overtime continue to follow federal FLSA standards.

Local minimum wage ordinances are unenforceable; conflicting requirements may invite legal challenge.