Public Holidays and Observances in Florida 2026
Florida holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, state holidays including the day after Thanksgiving, plus office closures.
Florida observes just 9 state holidays in 2026—fewer than most states. Unlike the federal government, Florida does not observe Juneteenth, Presidents’ Day, or Columbus Day as paid state holidays. Theme parks, cruise lines, and coastal resorts operate 365 days a year, making holiday scheduling especially complex for Florida’s tourism-driven economy.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Florida 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Friday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Saturday |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3. Florida state offices do not close on Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, or Juneteenth, though federal offices close on all three.
What Are the State Holidays in Florida 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | Official state holiday; state offices closed |
Florida observes fewer state holidays than most states. State offices remain open on Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, and Juneteenth, even though federal offices close on all three days.
What Are the Major Observances in Florida?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Arbor Day | Third Friday in January | No closures; state observance only |
| Pascua Florida Day | April 2 | Commemorates Spanish discovery; no closures |
| Confederate Memorial Day | April 26 | Observance only; no state closures |
| Election Day | November 3 | No state closure; polls open statewide |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Florida?
Government offices close on all 9 state holidays. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday. State offices remain open on Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, and Juneteenth.
School districts across Florida set their own calendars, affecting employee availability. Most districts close for state holidays plus:
- Presidents’ Day: February 16, 2026 (many districts)
- Winter Break: Typically two weeks around Christmas/New Year
- Spring Break: Varies by district, often mid-March
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on all federal holidays, including Presidents’ Day and Columbus Day.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Theme parks (Disney, Universal, SeaWorld) and cruise lines operate every day of the year, staffing with a mix of full-time and part-time employees. Hotels and resorts offer holiday pay premiums for peak periods. Florida’s lack of state income tax makes it a popular destination for snowbird seasonal workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the day after Thanksgiving a holiday in Florida?
Yes, the day after Thanksgiving is an official state holiday in Florida. State offices close on Friday, November 27, 2026.
Does Florida observe Columbus Day?
Florida does not observe Columbus Day as a state holiday. State offices remain open on Columbus Day (October 12, 2026), though federal offices close. Some school districts may observe Columbus Day independently.
What holidays do Florida state employees get?
Florida state employees receive 9 paid holidays in 2026: New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, and Juneteenth are not observed as state holidays. Full-time employees also receive one personal holiday annually.
When is Independence Day observed in Florida 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Summary
Florida observes just 9 state holidays in 2026, fewer than most states. The state does not observe Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, or Juneteenth as state holidays, but does include the day after Thanksgiving. School and business closures vary by district and industry. Use this guide to plan staffing, approve time-off requests, and manage schedules around key dates.
For tourism and hospitality scheduling, see our guides on clopening shifts, buddy punching prevention, and employee tardiness policies.
