Vero Beach served as the backdrop for a significant announcement regarding state government operations and holiday schedules for the upcoming year. During a press conference held locally in Indian River County on January 30, Governor Ron DeSantis declared that Florida state employees will receive an additional paid day off in 2026 to honor Presidents Day.
The announcement was made as part of the Governor’s visit to the Treasure Coast to discuss preparations for “America 250,” the nationwide celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
While Presidents Day—officially known as Washington’s Birthday at the federal level—is a long-standing federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February, Florida has traditionally not recognized it as a paid day off for state workers. State offices typically remain open, and employees report to work as usual. However, to coincide with the semiquincentennial celebrations, that policy will shift for 2026.
Speaking from Vero Beach, Governor DeSantis explained the decision:
“You know, they have Presidents Day, and it’s actually federal. Florida does not recognize it. But this year for America’s 250, we’ll recognize Washington’s birthday, not just federally, but as a state holiday. So our state offices will be closed, our state employees will be able to have the day off, which I know they’re not going to complain about.”
Key Details for 2026:
- Date: The holiday will be observed on Monday, February 16, 2026.
- Scope: The closure officially applies to agencies and offices within the executive branch, though other branches of Florida’s government frequently align their schedules with executive orders regarding holiday closures.
- Reasoning: The move is a specific nod to the “America 250” initiative, honoring the nation’s founding history.
Historically, while Florida law lists Washington’s Birthday as a “legal holiday,” it has not functioned as a paid day off for the state workforce. The change provides a rare alignment between the state and federal holiday calendars for this specific date.
The “America 250” celebration is set to culminate on July 4, 2026. In preparation, federal initiatives like Task Force 250 and state-level commissions are organizing events to commemorate the historic milestone. By designating Washington’s Birthday as a state holiday for this specific year, the Governor aims to kick off the patriotic observances early in the calendar. Residents in Vero Beach and across the state should anticipate state office closures on February 16, 2026, and plan their business with government agencies accordingly.
