Commissioner Diaz supports tipping for MIA waiters and bartenders

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY – Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz’s ordinance to allow restaurants and bars at Miami International Airport to include a suggested tip on customers’ checks is up for final approval at the June 4 Commission meeting, which begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Commission Chamber at the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st St.

Commissioner Diaz originally proposed the ordinance in April following reports of a planned crackdown on violations of the County’s existing prohibition on automatic tipping at MIA.

His legislation would allow a suggested tip of up to 18 percent, as long as clear notice is provided on the check or point-of-sale device explaining that the tip is suggested and can be removed or changed at the customer’s discretion.

Florida’s minimum wage is $8.46, but employers can pay tipped employees as little as $5.44 per hour.

Commissioner Diaz said preserving the ability to solicit tips at MIA is necessary to protect restaurant workers, especially since many foreign travelers to the airport come from cultures where tipping may not be common.