There’s nothing like enjoying a long weekend.<\/p>\n
Since July 4 falls on a Saturday this year, many employers designate the Friday before as a holiday for workers, giving everyone a three-day weekend.<\/p>\n
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken it two steps further, extending the Independence Day weekend<\/a> to five days for most government employees.<\/p>\n In an announcement June 12, DeSantis said state offices would be closed Thursday, July 2, through Monday, July 6, in celebration not only of the Fourth of July but America’s 250th birthday.<\/p>\n Here’s what you should know.<\/p>\n Fourth of July is federal holiday<\/p>\n The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is one of 11 federal holidays observed across the United States.<\/p>\n When the day falls on a Saturday,<\/a> the holiday is observed on the Friday before. If on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.<\/p>\n DeSantis gives state workers 5-day weekend for Independence Day<\/p>\n On June 12, DeSantis announced state offices would be closed Thursday, July 2, and Monday, July 6, “in celebration of Independence Day weekend, which this year marks America\u2019s 250th anniversary of its independence.”<\/p>\n State offices were already closed Friday, July 3, so with the addition of the extra days, state employees will get a five-day weekend.<\/p>\n When will Florida offices be closed?<\/p>\n Florida state offices will be closed from Thursday, July 2, through Monday, July 6.<\/p>\n How many Florida state employees will get 5-day weekend?<\/p>\n The additional days means a five-day weekend for nearly 100,000 employees in the State Personnel System, DeSantis said.<\/p>\n Thousands of workers classified as Other Personal Services, or OPS, part-time and temporary employees are not eligible for paid holidays under state law.<\/p>\n That means an estimated 9,000 OPS employees will go without pay<\/a> over the long weekend.<\/p>\n Why did DeSantis give state workers extra days off?<\/p>\n \u201cAmerica\u2019s 250th anniversary is a historic milestone and an opportunity to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and enduring principles that established the United States as the freest and most prosperous nation in the world,\u201d DeSantis said in a news release.<\/p>\n \u201cAs Florida leads the nation\u2019s semiquincentennial celebration, I am pleased to provide state employees additional time to celebrate our country\u2019s founding, participate in America 250 events, and spend time with family and friends honoring the blessings of liberty that generations of Americans have fought to preserve.\u201d<\/p>\n It’s not first time DeSantis has closed state offices for extra days<\/p>\n This isn’t the first time DeSantis has given state employees extra days off <\/a>around holidays.<\/p>\n In 2025, he added an extra day off <\/a>for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.<\/p>\n How is Florida observing America’s 250th birthday?<\/p>\n “Throughout 2026, Florida is commemorating America\u2019s 250th anniversary through educational initiatives, community events, historical exhibits, and celebrations that honor the founding of our nation and the principles of freedom, self-government, and individual liberty,” DeSantis said.<\/p>\n Find events and learn more about Florida’s role in the history of the U.S. at america250fl.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n When are the next 2026 federal holidays?<\/p>\n Remaining federal holidays this year include:<\/p>\n Contributor: James Call, USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau.<\/p>\n Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida\u2019s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https:\/\/news-journal.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n