Columbus Day 2025 in Florida: What’s open, closed, and how it’s observed

Columbus Day, also recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in several parts of the U.S. is on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. Though the holiday tributes the 1492 journey of Christopher Columbus, it has grown into a day that also regards the intense heritage and resilience of Native people.

In Florida, Columbus Day is not an officially observed state holiday. However, it is one of 21 legal holidays, where the government offices shut for employees, while local counties and school districts take the decision individually whether to acknowledge it or not.

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Rising Recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

In 2021, then President Joe Biden published the initial formal proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day global. After that the awareness has evolved steadily.

As per the renamecolumbusday.org, nearly 30 states and 221 U.S. cities have substituted or renamed the holiday that includes North Miami (2020) and Gainesville (2024) in Florida.

“Indigenous Peoples' Day has been receiving popularity as a substitution for Columbus Day from the late 1980s. Indigenous Peoples' Day is commemorated on the second Monday of October and honors the Indigenous people that have lived in the Americas for thousands of years,” as per the U.S. News and World Report.

Also Read: Columbus Day 2025 what’s open and what’s closed: Columbus Day 2025: Federal Holiday Schedule — Banks, Schools, USPS, Stock Market, Costco — What’s Open, What’s Closed, and Wall Street Trading Hours for October 13

Federal Closures and Public Services

As one of 11 federal holidays, Columbus Day prompts the shutdown of non-essential federal government offices in the country. Federal staff get paid leave, mail delivery will be halted, and banks will not operate, as per the federalpay.org.

Florida School Schedules on Columbus Day

Although the federal government shutdowns, most Florida schools will be open. Only one of the state’s 67 counties formally decides Columbus Day as a closure day.

For several, Oct. 13 is a teacher workday or inservice day. Some districts close the preceding Friday (Oct. 10) or select alternative dates that week.

Here’s the school schedules in Florida’s Treasure Coast:

• Indian River County: Schools open Monday, Oct. 13
• Martin County: Schools open Monday, Oct. 13
• St. Lucie County: Teacher workday Monday, Oct. 13

FAQs;

Q1: When is Columbus Day in 2025?
Columbus Day is on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. It is observed on the second Monday of October each year.

Q2: Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Columbus Day is one of 11 federal holidays. Non-essential federal offices close, and employees will be paid for the day.