Florida Public Holidays

Florida State Holidays

Searching for the public holidays in Florida? Most public holidays in Florida are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Florida employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Florida and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Florida, known for its diverse population and vibrant culture, celebrates a mix of national and state-specific holidays throughout the year. These holidays honor important historical events, figures, and cultural traditions, reflecting the state’s unique identity.

Federal Holidays in Florida

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day is a widely celebrated federal holiday in Florida that marks the first day of the year. The holiday is typically spent in festive celebrations, including family gatherings, fireworks, and resolutions for the new year. The state’s coastal cities, such as Miami and Key West, host large New Year’s Eve parties that transition into the New Year’s Day celebrations. Public events and parades also take place in some areas of Florida.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed or have reduced hours.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in ending racial segregation in America. Florida observes this day with parades, community service events, and educational programs. In cities like Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville, large celebrations and marches take place to commemorate Dr. King’s contributions to racial equality.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Varies, but many are open with reduced hours.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday celebrated in honor of U.S. presidents, particularly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The holiday is widely observed across Florida with educational events focusing on U.S. history. Florida’s historical sites and museums may host special programs to celebrate the contributions of past presidents. The day also coincides with major retail sales, making it a busy day for shopping.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Many participate in sales events, though most businesses remain open.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a day to honor U.S. military personnel who died in service to their country. In Florida, Memorial Day is observed with ceremonies, parades, and visits to veterans’ cemeteries, particularly in cities like St. Petersburg and Tampa. The holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer, with many Floridians enjoying barbecues, picnics, and outdoor activities.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may close early or operate with reduced hours.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day is one of the most significant holidays in Florida, as it celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Across the state, people celebrate with fireworks displays, parades, concerts, and family gatherings. Florida’s beaches, especially in Miami, Daytona, and Clearwater, are popular destinations for tourists and locals alike on this day. The night sky lights up with fireworks, making it a festive day for all.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed or have reduced hours.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day honors the American workforce and the contributions of labor unions. It is observed in Florida with parades, picnics, and outdoor activities. The holiday marks the unofficial end of summer, and many Floridians use the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities such as barbecues, beach trips, and family gatherings. In some areas, community festivals may be held to celebrate the labor movement.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may close early or have reduced hours.

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In Florida, the holiday is observed with parades, ceremonies, and community events, especially in cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Florida has a large veteran population, and the day is an opportunity for residents to honor their service and sacrifices.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open, though some hold special events for veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is a time for people to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. In Florida, families celebrate with traditional meals, including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Many people take the opportunity to volunteer and help others, particularly in cities like Miami and Jacksonville, where food drives and charity events are common. The holiday also signals the beginning of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday following the next day.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, although some open for Black Friday shopping.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most widely observed holidays in Florida. The holiday is celebrated with family gatherings, religious services, and festive meals. Florida’s communities, including Orlando and Miami, are known for their extravagant holiday light displays and Christmas events. The day is a festive occasion, particularly for families, and many use the holiday to reflect on the year and share gifts.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, particularly retail stores and government offices.

State Holidays in Florida

In addition to the federal holidays, Florida observes several state-specific holidays that hold cultural and historical significance to the state’s residents.

Florida Statehood Day (March 3)

Florida Statehood Day commemorates the day Florida became the 27th state of the United States on March 3, 1845. This day celebrates Florida’s unique role in U.S. history and its journey from Spanish colony to U.S. state. The day is observed with educational events and celebrations in schools and public institutions.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off in some sectors.
• Schools: Observed in many schools.
• Private businesses: Generally open.

Emancipation Day (May 20)

Emancipation Day is a state holiday that commemorates the day in 1865 when Florida’s enslaved people were freed following the Civil War. The day is observed with educational programs, ceremonies, and events across the state that highlight the struggles and contributions of African Americans throughout Florida’s history. It is particularly significant in cities with large African American communities, such as St. Augustine and Tallahassee.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some areas.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas.

Pioneer Day (July 4)

Pioneer Day is celebrated in Florida on the same day as Independence Day. It honors the pioneers who settled in Florida during the 19th century. Events on Pioneer Day include community gatherings, historical reenactments, and educational programs focused on the early history of Florida.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off in some areas.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

In Florida, as in other states, some holidays are observed by specific cultural, ethnic, or religious groups. These holidays reflect Florida’s diverse population and the state’s rich history of immigration.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While not a public holiday in Florida, it is widely observed by Christian communities in the state. Some businesses, particularly in the religious and educational sectors, may close or operate with reduced hours.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Easter Sunday (Date Varies)

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a significant holiday for many Christians in Florida, marked by church services, family meals, and Easter egg hunts. While Easter is not a public holiday, it is widely celebrated across the state.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some areas.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Florida

Holiday	Date	Government Employees	Schools	Private Businesses
New Year’s Day	January 1	Yes	Closed	Varies
Martin Luther King Jr. Day	Third Monday in January	Yes	Closed	Varies
Presidents’ Day	Third Monday in February	Yes	Closed	Varies
Memorial Day	Last Monday in May	Yes	Closed	Varies
Independence Day	July 4	Yes	Closed	Varies
Labor Day	First Monday in September	Yes	Closed	Varies
Veterans Day	November 11	Yes	Varies	Open
Thanksgiving Day	Fourth Thursday in November	Yes	Closed	Varies
Christmas Day	December 25	Yes	Closed	Varies
Florida Statehood Day	March 3	Yes (in some areas)	Varies	Open
Emancipation Day	May 20	Yes	Closed	Open
Pioneer Day	July 4	Yes (in some areas)	Closed	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies