Is Presidents Day a Florida State Holiday?
Presidents Day, also known as Washington’s Birthday, is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. It honors the birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States. However, the question arises: Is Presidents Day a Florida state holiday? The answer to this question is not straightforward, as it depends on how you define the term “state holiday.”
In Florida, the official state holidays are designated by the Florida Statutes. According to Section 112.011, the state holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. This list does not explicitly mention Presidents Day.
Despite not being listed as an official state holiday, Florida does observe Presidents Day. However, the observance is not mandatory for state employees or private businesses. In many cases, private companies and state agencies may choose to close on this day, giving their employees a day off to celebrate the holiday.
The reason why Presidents Day is not an official state holiday in Florida is likely due to the fact that the state has its own separate holiday honoring the birthday of its first president, Andrew Jackson. Known as Confederate Heroes Day, this holiday is celebrated on June 10th. It is important to note that Confederate Heroes Day is not recognized by the federal government as a national holiday.
In conclusion, while Presidents Day is not an official Florida state holiday, the state does observe the holiday. The decision to close on this day is left up to individual businesses and state agencies. Florida’s unique approach to honoring its own historical figures, such as Andrew Jackson, adds to the complexity of recognizing national holidays within the state.
