The federal minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour serves as a floor for employees covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Most states have higher minimum wages applicable to employees within their jurisdictions. On January 1, 2013, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington will increase their minimum wages. For a number of these states, lower minimum wages for tipped employees will also increase. Employers with operations in these states should check with the jurisdictions' labor departments to confirm their new pay obligations.