Gov. Ron DeSantis is turning this year’s Independence Day into a serious stretch of time off for Florida’s state workforce, closing state offices on Thursday, July 2 and Monday, July 6. Combined with the regular Independence Day observance on Friday, July 3, that adds up to a five-day weekend for nearly 100,000 state employees. The extra days are being pitched as a way to give workers more room to attend America 250 events or travel, and as part of Florida’s contribution to the nationwide semiquincentennial celebrations.
As reported by News4JAX, DeSantis said, "America’s 250th anniversary is a historic milestone and an opportunity to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and enduring principles" that founded the country. The outlet notes that the closures apply to employees within the State Personnel System and come in addition to the regular state holiday observed on Friday, July 3.
Who Gets The Time Off
According to WPBF, the order covers workers in the State Personnel System, which state officials put at roughly nearly 100,000 employees. Most paid state workers who follow the state holiday calendar should see those closures in effect, while staffing for essential or around-the-clock operations is typically arranged separately. Employees who are unsure how the schedule affects their leave or pay are being directed to check with their agency human-resources office or official guidance.
Why DeSantis Adjusted The Calendar
The office closures are tied to Florida’s America 250 initiative, a yearlong slate of events and state observances announced earlier this year, as outlined by the Executive Office of the Governor. DeSantis has made similar calendar moves before, authorizing a July 3 office closure in 2025 to create a four-day weekend, according to a previous Executive Office of the Governor press release.
What To Plan For
Anyone who needs state services in late June or early July should double-check agency hours in advance and be ready for possible processing delays around the long weekend. Businesses and legal or licensing offices that rely on state agencies may also see slower turnaround times on filings and appointments during those dates.
For the governor’s full remarks and local coverage of the announcement, see reporting from WPBF and News4JAX. State employees with questions are being advised to contact their agency HR office or consult the state newsroom for official guidance.
