Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday, Nov. 17, state offices will be closed a few more extra days for the upcoming holidays.
Christmas and New Year’s days fall on Thursdays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
➤ Florida state workers getting extended holiday weekends
DeSantis said offices will be closed on two Fridays after the holidays to give employees extra time off.
Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving, is already a state holiday, but in Monday’s announcement, DeSantis also added Wednesday, Nov. 26.
When is Thanksgiving 2025?
Thanksgiving will be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 27.
What are Florida’s remaining state holidays for 2025?
Before DeSantis’ announcement Nov. 17, the remaining paid holidays in Florida for state agencies were:
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 27
Day after Thanksgiving: Friday, Nov. 28
Christmas Day: Thursday, Dec. 25
DeSantis giving state employees three extra days off
On Nov. 17, DeSantis announced state offices will be closed for three new days:
Wednesday, Nov. 26 (giving them a five-day weekend)
State offices will be closed Nov. 26-Nov. 30)
Friday, Dec. 26 (giving them a four-day weekend)
State offices will be closed Dec. 25-28
Friday: Jan. 2 (giving them a four-day weekend)
State offices will be closed Jan. 1-4)
Why is DeSantis adding extra holidays for state employees?
“Our state employees have worked hard throughout the year,” DeSantis said.
“I hope they enjoy additional time off with loved ones and friends this holiday season. The First Lady and I are thankful for their continued dedication to the people of Florida.”
DeSantis also closed state offices Thursday, July 3, ahead of the regularly scheduled Fourth of July holiday, which occurred on Friday this year.
Are Florida state employees paid for holidays?
Not all employees are paid for time off.
State law prohibits DeSantis from extending the generosity to a class of workers classified as Other Personal Services, part-time employees hired to fill temporary staff shortages.
There are more than 9,900 workers classified as Other Personal Services, according to the Department of Management Services Annual Workforce report.
What are Florida’s 2026 paid holidays?
The following days will be observed as paid holidays by Florida agencies in 2026:
New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1
Day after New Year’s, Friday, Jan. 2
Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, Jan. 19
Memorial Day, Monday, May 25
Independence Day, Friday, July 3
Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7
Veterans’ Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26
Friday after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 27
Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25
When are 2026 federal holidays?
There are 11 federal holidays. In 2026, those holidays will fall on:
New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1
Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, Jan. 19
Washington’s Birthday, Monday, Feb. 16
Memorial Day, Monday, May 25
Juneteenth National Independence Day, Friday, June 19
Independence Day, Friday, July 3
Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7
Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 12
Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26
Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25
If a holiday falls on a Saturday, for most federal employees, the preceding Friday is treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes.
Contributing: James Rosica, USA TODAY Network-Florida
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis adds more public holidays state employees