Last chance for Americans to claim a new holiday after historic switch-up

Americans may soon see an additional day off appear on the calendar following a significant adjustment to how one state observes a long-standing federal holiday. Florida is getting ready to shut state offices for a break that government employees do not normally receive, signifying a rare shift in the state’s holiday schedule.

Florida state workers will be granted February 16 off as a state holiday, with executive-branch offices shutting down for the day. In 2026, that date coincided with Presidents’ Day, creating a rare overlap between federal and state observances.


The announcement was revealed on January 30 in a news conference, where Governor Ron DeSantis outlined plans associated with the forthcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

“You know, they have Presidents’ Day, and it’s actually federal. Florida does not recognize it,” DeSantis stated.

“But this year for America’s 250, we’ll recognize Washington’s birthday, not just federally, but as a state holiday. So our state offices will be closed, our state employees will be able to have the day off, which I know they’re not going to complain about.”

Why February 16 Matters in 2026

Presidents’ Day, originally established as George Washington’s Birthday, is traditionally celebrated on the third Monday in February. According to the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington’s Birthday was the first federal holiday created to commemorate an individual’s birth.

Congress officially designated February 22 as a federal holiday for government workers in 1885. That changed in 1971, when the Uniform Monday Holiday Law moved the observance to the third Monday of the month. As the fresh date falls between the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the informal name “Presidents’ Day” became widely adopted.

In 2026, the third Monday of February is on February 16, making it the major point of Florida’s one-year recognition.

A One-Time State Holiday for a National Milestone

Although Presidents’ Day has been a federal holiday since the late 19th century, Florida has historically not observed it as a state-recognized day off. Governor DeSantis confirmed that this exception is only for 2026.

The holiday will span executive-branch agencies and state offices. Past practice indicates that other branches of state government may also align with the shut down when extra leave is granted by the governor.

The decision is connected directly to America250, the nationwide attempt to honor the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence on July 4, 2026.

FAQs:

Q1. What change has Florida announced?
Florida will honor February 16, 2026, as a state holiday. State offices will be shut down for the day.

Q2. Who will receive the day off?
Florida state workers working in executive-branch agencies will get the holiday. Other branches may follow the closure.