Florida debates permanent daylight-saving time as experts warn of risks for kids in dark winter mornings
Florida takes step toward permanent daylight-saving time
Updated: 5:08 PM EDT Jul 16, 2026
Florida is moving closer to adopting permanent daylight saving time after the U.S. House approved a bill to end the twice-a-year clock change. Supporters of the measure highlight the benefit of more sunlight in the evening, but critics warn it could result in children waiting for school buses in darker winter mornings. The country previously implemented year-round daylight-saving time in 1974. During the initial weeks of the change, eight Florida children were killed in early-morning traffic crashes, which fueled calls to end the experiment. “They’re going to be driving and already they’re going to be challenged because they can’t see as well because it’s dark, and cognitively they’re not going to be as aware, be able to function as well,” said Todd McElroy, a psychology professor at Florida Gulf Coast University. “I could see that being danger for like younger kids,” said Courtney Franks of Fort Myers. Sleep experts have also stated that permanent standard time better aligns with the body’s natural clock. Florida approved permanent daylight-saving time in 2018, but the state cannot implement the change without federal action. Former President Donald Trump supports the House bill, but it must still pass the Senate before it can become law.Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.
Florida is moving closer to adopting permanent daylight saving time after the U.S. House approved a bill to end the twice-a-year clock change.
Supporters of the measure highlight the benefit of more sunlight in the evening, but critics warn it could result in children waiting for school buses in darker winter mornings.
The country previously implemented year-round daylight-saving time in 1974. During the initial weeks of the change, eight Florida children were killed in early-morning traffic crashes, which fueled calls to end the experiment.
“They’re going to be driving and already they’re going to be challenged because they can’t see as well because it’s dark, and cognitively they’re not going to be as aware, be able to function as well,” said Todd McElroy, a psychology professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.
“I could see that being danger for like younger kids,” said Courtney Franks of Fort Myers.
Sleep experts have also stated that permanent standard time better aligns with the body’s natural clock.
Florida approved permanent daylight-saving time in 2018, but the state cannot implement the change without federal action. Former President Donald Trump supports the House bill, but it must still pass the Senate before it can become law.
Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25
Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.