Florida observes 13 state holidays in 2026, including unique observances like Confederate Memorial Day and Susan B. Anthony Day. The Sunshine State has a distinct holiday calendar that affects state employees and may impact private employer scheduling.
Here’s your complete guide to Florida state holidays in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Florida observes 13 paid holidays for state employees in 2026
- Florida has unique holidays like Confederate Memorial Day and Susan B. Anthony Day
- Private employers are not required to close on holidays or pay premium rates
- Some Florida cities observe additional local holidays
- Clear holiday policies help prevent scheduling conflicts and employee confusion
Florida State Holiday Calendar 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Confederate Memorial Day | April 27 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Independence Day | July 3 | Friday (observed) |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday |
| Susan B. Anthony Day | February 15 | Sunday (observed Monday) |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Florida observes Confederate Memorial Day (April 27) and Susan B. Anthony Day (February 15) as state holidays. These are not observed by most other states.
Employer Obligations for Florida Holidays
State Employees
Florida state employees receive paid time off for all 13 holidays listed above. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed. When it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed.
Private Employers
Florida law does not require private employers to close on holidays or pay premium rates for holiday work. However:
- Company policy — If your handbook promises holiday pay, you must honor it
- Collective bargaining agreements — CBAs may require holiday premiums
- Tourism industry — Hotels and theme parks often have specific holiday staffing requirements
- Hurricane season — May affect holiday scheduling and business operations
Florida’s Right-to-Work Status
Florida is a right-to-work state, which affects how unions can negotiate holiday premiums. If you have unionized employees, their CBA may specify holiday pay, but non-union employees generally have no statutory holiday rights.
Florida-Specific Holidays
Confederate Memorial Day
Confederate Memorial Day (April 27) is observed as a state holiday in Florida. This holiday is controversial, and many private employers choose not to observe it. State offices close, and cultural events are held across the state.
Susan B. Anthony Day
Susan B. Anthony Day (February 15) honors the women’s suffrage leader. Florida is one of the few states that observes this as a state holiday. State offices close, and it provides an opportunity to recognize women’s contributions to American history.
Common Mistakes Florida Employers Make
- Forgetting Confederate Memorial Day — This holiday catches many multi-state employers off guard
- Ignoring tourism industry requirements — Hotels and theme parks may have specific holiday rules
- Not accounting for hurricane season — May affect holiday scheduling
- Confusing state and federal holidays — Florida observes several holidays not on the federal calendar
- Missing Susan B. Anthony Day — This unique holiday is often overlooked
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment attorney for guidance specific to your situation.