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<\/p>\nFlorida debates permanent daylight-saving time as experts warn of risks for kids in dark winter mornings<\/p>\n
Florida takes step toward permanent daylight-saving time<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\tUpdated: 5:08 PM EDT Jul 16, 2026\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\tEditorial Standards \u24d8<\/a><\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\tFlorida 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. \u201cThey\u2019re going to be driving and already they\u2019re going to be challenged because they can\u2019t see as well because it\u2019s dark, and cognitively they\u2019re not going to be as aware, be able to function as well,\u201d said Todd McElroy, a psychology professor at Florida Gulf Coast University. \u201cI could see that being danger for like younger kids,\u201d said Courtney Franks of Fort Myers. Sleep experts have also stated that permanent standard time better aligns with the body\u2019s 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.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re going to be driving and already they\u2019re going to be challenged because they can\u2019t see as well because it\u2019s dark, and cognitively they\u2019re not going to be as aware, be able to function as well,\u201d said Todd McElroy, a psychology professor at Florida Gulf Coast University. <\/p>\n \u201cI could see that being danger for like younger kids,\u201d said Courtney Franks of Fort Myers. <\/p>\n Sleep experts have also stated that permanent standard time better aligns with the body\u2019s natural clock. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25<\/a><\/p>\n