What defines a price floor?

A price floor is defined as a minimum price that can be charged for a product. This concept is typically implemented by the government to ensure that prices do not fall below a certain level, which can help protect producers and stabilize markets. For example, in agricultural markets, a price floor might be set to guarantee that farmers receive a certain income level for their products, encouraging them to continue production.

When a price floor is established, it results in a minimum price that buyers are legally unable to pay less than. This can lead to a surplus of goods if the enforced price is above the equilibrium price, as suppliers may produce more than consumers are willing to buy at that price. Hence, a price floor can have significant implications for supply and demand within a market.