LEGAL HOLIDAYS; SPECIAL OBSERVANCES

F.S. Ch. 683

in effect

F.S. 683.01 Legal holidays.

(1) The legal holidays, which are also public holidays, are the following: (a) Sunday, the first day of each week. (b) New Year’s Day, January 1. (c) Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., January 15. (d) Birthday of Robert E. Lee, January 19. (e) Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12. (f) Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday, February 15. (g) Washington’s Birthday, the third Monday in February. (h) Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, the fourth Thursday in March. (i) Good Friday. (j) Pascua Florida Day, April 2. (k) Confederate Memorial Day, April 26. (l) Memorial Day, the last Monday in May. (m) Birthday of Jefferson Davis, June 3. (n) Flag Day, June 14. (o) Independence Day, July 4. (p) Labor Day, the first Monday in September. (q) Columbus Day and Farmers’ Day, the second Monday in October. (r) Veterans’ Day, November 11. (s) General Election Day. (t) Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November. (u) Christmas Day, December 25. (v) Shrove Tuesday, sometimes also known as “Mardi Gras,” in counties where carnival associations are organized for the purpose of celebrating the same. (2) Whenever any legal holiday shall fall upon a Sunday, the Monday next following shall be deemed a public holiday for all and any of the purposes aforesaid.

F.S. 683.02 Meaning of term “legal holidays” as used in contracts.

Whenever, in contracts to be performed in the state, reference is made to “legal holidays,” the term shall be understood to include those holidays designated in s. 683.01 and such others as may be designated by law.

F.S. 683.04 Arbor Day.

The third Friday in January of each year is hereby designated as “Arbor Day” in the state.

F.S. 683.05 Pan-American Day.

(1) The Governor shall proclaim April 14 of each year to be “Pan-American Day,” which day shall be suitably observed in the public schools of the state as a day honoring the republics of Latin America, and which day shall otherwise be suitably observed by such public exercises in the State Capitol and elsewhere as the Governor may designate. If April 14 shall fall on a day which is not a school day, “Pan-American Day” shall be observed in the schools on the school day next preceding or on such preceding day as may be designated by local school authorities. (2) The purpose of the law is to establish a day on which the mutually friendly relationship between the state and the Pan-American Republics will be recognized and perpetuated.

F.S. 683.06 Pascua Florida Day.

(1) April 2 of each year is hereby designated as “Florida State Day.” The day is to be known as “Pascua Florida Day.” (2) The Governor may annually issue a proclamation designating April 2 as said State Day and designating the week of March 27 to April 2 as “Pascua Florida Week” and calling upon public schools and citizens of Florida to observe the same as a patriotic occasion.

F.S. 683.08 Gasparilla Day, legal holiday in Hillsborough County.

The day known and designated as “Gasparilla Day” in Hillsborough County shall be a legal holiday within said county, and all city, county, and state offices, and banking institutions may remain closed on Gasparilla Day.

F.S. 683.09 DeSoto Day, legal holiday in Manatee County.

The last Friday of DeSoto Week every year shall be known as “DeSoto Day” and shall be a legal holiday in Manatee County, and all city, county, and state offices and banking institutions may remain closed on DeSoto Day.

F.S. 683.10 Grandparents’ and Family Caregivers’ Day.

(1) The first Sunday after Labor Day of each year is designated “Grandparents’ and Family Caregivers’ Day.” (2) The Governor may issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday after Labor Day as Grandparents’ and Family Caregivers’ Day and calling upon public schools and citizens of the state to observe the occasion.

F.S. 683.11 Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and Law Enforcement Appreciation Month.

(1) May 1 of each year is hereby designated as “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.” (2) The month of May of each year is hereby designated as “Law Enforcement Appreciation Month.” (3) The Governor and the mayor of each municipality may issue annually a proclamation designating May 1 as “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day” and the month of May as “Law Enforcement Appreciation Month” and urging all civic, fraternal, and religious organizations and public and private educational institutions to recognize and observe this occasion through appropriate programs, meetings, services, or celebrations in which state, county, and local law enforcement officers are invited to participate.

F.S. 683.12 Parade Day, Hillsborough County.

The day known and designated as “Parade Day” of the Hillsborough County Fair and Plant City Strawberry Festival in Hillsborough County shall be a legal holiday within said county, and all city and county offices and banking institutions may remain closed on Parade Day of the Hillsborough County Fair and Plant City Strawberry Festival.

F.S. 683.13 State observance of national day of mourning.

Observance by the state of any day of mourning, as proclaimed by the Governor in response to the designation of a national day of mourning by the President of the United States, may be by declaring that the following Sunday shall be observed as the day of mourning.

F.S. 683.14 Patriots’ Day.

Patriots’ Day is hereby recognized by the Florida Legislature as one of great historical significance. Public officials, schools, private organizations, and all citizens are encouraged to commemorate Patriots’ Day on April 19 of each year.

F.S. 683.15 Teacher’s Day.

(1) The third Friday in May of each year is designated as Teacher’s Day. (2) The Governor may issue annually a proclamation designating the third Friday in May as Teacher’s Day and calling upon public schools and citizens of the state to observe the occasion.

F.S. 683.16 Retired Teachers’ Day.

(1) The Sunday commencing the third week of November of each year is hereby designated as “Retired Teachers’ Day.” (2) The Governor may issue annually a proclamation designating the Sunday commencing the third week of November of each year as Retired Teachers’ Day and calling upon public schools and citizens of the state to observe the occasion and to take the opportunity to honor the retired teachers of the state.

F.S. 683.17 Parents’ and Children’s Day.

The first Sunday in April of each year is designated as Parents’ and Children’s Day. On this day local communities and families, together with public officials, schools, private organizations, and all citizens, are encouraged to celebrate the lives and blessings of Florida’s children with love, respect, gratitude, and encouragement; to acknowledge our children as the resource giving our state the greatest hope of future excellence; to listen to children and reaffirm our shared commitment to help them develop their unique qualities, strengths, and potential, resulting in greater productive capacity and enlightened citizenship; and to observe this day with appropriate activities, ceremonies, public awareness materials, and programs. All citizens of the state are encouraged to wear a white ribbon on Parents’ and Children’s Day which shall indicate that our children are considered to be special gifts and are valued for their part in the circle of life.

F.S. 683.18 Save the Florida Panther Day.

(1) The third Saturday of March of each year is designated as “Save the Florida Panther Day.” (2) The Governor may issue annually a proclamation designating the third Saturday of March as Save the Florida Panther Day and calling upon public schools and citizens of the state to observe the occasion.

F.S. 683.19 Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Good Friday; designation as legal holiday by chief circuit judges.

The chief judge of any judicial circuit is authorized to designate Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Good Friday as legal holidays for the courts within the judicial circuit. If the holidays are so designated, the courts in the judicial circuit may remain closed on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Good Friday and those days will be holidays for persons employed by the courts.

F.S. 683.21 Juneteenth Day.

(1) June 19th of each year is hereby designated “Juneteenth Day” to commemorate the traditional observance of the day the slaves in Florida were notified of the Emancipation Proclamation. (2) The Governor may issue annually a proclamation designating June 19th as Juneteenth Day and calling on public officials, schools, private organizations, and all citizens to honor the historic significance of the day.

F.S. 683.22 Law Day and Law Week.

(1) May 1 of each year is designated as “Law Day,” and the week starting with the Sunday preceding May 1 is proclaimed “Law Week” in Florida. If May 1 falls on a Sunday, Law Week begins on that day. During the week, all residents, schools, businesses, and clubs and the mass media are invited to commemorate the role of law in our lives. The theme to be celebrated will be determined by the Supreme Court of Florida and publicized and supported by the lawyers of Florida through The Florida Bar. (2) The Governor may issue annually a proclamation celebrating these events, with a theme to be determined by the Supreme Court of Florida and supported by the lawyers of Florida through The Florida Bar.

F.S. 683.23 Florida Missing Children’s Day.

The second Monday in September of each year is hereby designated as “Florida Missing Children’s Day” in remembrance of Florida’s past and present missing children and in recognition of our state’s continued efforts to protect the safety of children through prevention, education, and community involvement.

F.S. 683.24 Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Day.

February 6th of each year is designated Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Day.

F.S. 683.25 Bill of Rights Day.

(1) December 15 of each year is designated as “Bill of Rights Day.” (2) The Governor may issue annually a proclamation designating December 15 as “Bill of Rights Day” and calling upon all citizens of the state to observe the occasion.

F.S. 683.26 Ronald Reagan Day.

(1) February 6 of each year is designated as “Ronald Reagan Day.” (2) The Governor may issue annually a proclamation designating February 6 as “Ronald Reagan Day.” Public officials, schools, private organizations, and all citizens are encouraged to honor the legacy of opportunity and optimism left by America’s 40th President by commemorating Ronald Reagan Day on February 6 of each year.

F.S. 683.33 Three Kings Day.

(1) January 6 of each year is designated as “Three Kings Day.” (2) Local governments may annually issue a proclamation commemorating January 6 as “Three Kings Day” and recognize that many residents of the state celebrate the occasion as a time to be with their family and friends, attend services, exchange gifts, and celebrate their cultural heritage.

F.S. 683.115 Law Enforcement Memorial Day.

(1) May 15 of each year is hereby designated as “Law Enforcement Memorial Day.” (2) The Governor may issue annually a proclamation declaring May 15 to be a day of mourning throughout the state.

F.S. 683.145 I Am An American Day.

The third Sunday in October of each year is hereby designated as “I Am An American Day.”

F.S. 683.146 Purple Heart Day.

(1) August 7 of each year is designated as “Purple Heart Day.” (2) The Governor may annually issue a proclamation designating August 7 as “Purple Heart Day.” Public officials, schools, private organizations, and all residents of the state are encouraged to commemorate Purple Heart Day and honor those wounded or killed while serving in any branch of the United States Armed Services.

F.S. 683.147 Medal of Honor Day.

(1) March 25 of each year is designated as “Medal of Honor Day.” (2) The Governor may annually issue a proclamation designating March 25 as Medal of Honor Day and calling upon public officials, schools, private organizations, and all residents of the state to commemorate Medal of Honor Day and honor recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor who distinguished themselves through their conspicuous bravery and gallantry during wartime, and at considerable risk to their own lives, while serving as members of the United States Armed Forces.

F.S. 683.185 Everglades Day.

April 7 of each year is designated as “Everglades Day.”

F.S. 683.195 Florida Jewish History Month.

(1) The month of January of each year is designated as “Florida Jewish History Month.” (2) The Governor may issue a proclamation annually designating the month of January as “Florida Jewish History Month” and calling upon the citizens of the state to observe the occasion.

F.S. 683.196 Holocaust Remembrance Day.

(1) In honor of the millions of victims killed in the Holocaust, the Governor shall annually proclaim January 27 to be “Holocaust Remembrance Day,” which may be observed in the public schools of this state and by public exercise at the State Capitol and elsewhere as the Governor may designate. (2) If January 27 falls on a day that is not a school day, “Holocaust Remembrance Day” may be observed in the public schools on the following school day or as otherwise designated by the district school board having jurisdiction. (3) Instruction on the harmful impacts of the Holocaust and antisemitism and the positive contributions of the Jewish community to humanity may be provided as part of the public school instruction on “Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

F.S. 683.231 Citizen support organization for Florida Missing Children’s Day.

(1) The Department of Law Enforcement may establish a citizen support organization to provide assistance, funding, and promotional support for activities authorized for Florida Missing Children’s Day under s. 683.23. (2) As used in this section, the term “citizen support organization” means an organization that is: (a) A Florida corporation not for profit incorporated under chapter 617 and approved by the Department of State. (b) Organized and operated to conduct programs and activities; raise funds; request and receive grants, gifts, and bequests of money; acquire, receive, hold, invest, and administer, in its own name, securities, funds, objects of value, or other property, either real or personal; and make expenditures to or for the direct or indirect benefit of the department in furtherance of Florida Missing Children’s Day. (3) The citizen support organization is not a registered lobbyist within the meaning of s. 11.045. (4) The citizen support organization is specifically authorized to collect and expend funds to be used for awards; public awareness and awards ceremonies, workshops, and other meetings, including distribution materials for public education and awareness; travel; Internet and web-hosting services; administrative costs, including personnel costs; costs of audits; and costs of facilities rental. (5) The activities of the citizen support organization must be determined by the department to be consistent with the goals and mission of the department and in the best interests of the state and approved in writing by the department to operate for the direct or indirect benefit of the department. The approval shall be given in a letter of agreement from the department. (6)(a) The department may fix and collect charges for the rental of facilities and properties managed by the department and may permit, without charge, appropriate use of administrative services, property, and facilities of the department by the citizen support organization, subject to this section. The use must be directly in keeping with the approved purposes of the citizen support organization and may not be made at times or places that would unreasonably interfere with opportunities for the public to use such facilities for established purposes. Any money received from rentals of facilities and properties managed by the department may be held in the Operating Trust Fund of the department or in a separate depository account in the name of the citizen support organization and subject to the provisions of the letter of agreement with the department. The letter of agreement must provide that any funds held in the separate depository account in the name of the citizen support organization must revert to the department if the citizen support organization is no longer approved by the department to operate in the best interests of the state. (b) The department may adopt rules with which a citizen support organization must comply in order to use department administrative services, property, or facilities. (c) The department may not authorize the use of any administrative services, property, or facilities of the state by a citizen support organization that does not provide equal membership and employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, or national origin. (7) The citizen support organization shall provide for an independent annual financial audit in accordance with s. 215.981. Copies of the audit shall be provided to the department, the Office of Policy and Budget in the Executive Office of the Governor, and the Cabinet.

F.S. 683.325 Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.

The Legislature designates December 21, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year as a Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness. The State Office on Homelessness, local homeless coalitions, and local governments are encouraged to sponsor events to promote awareness of the plight of the homeless and identify actions that individuals and organizations can take to address the problem of homelessness.

F.S. 683.331 Child Welfare Professionals Recognition Day.

Beginning in May 2008, the Legislature designates the second Monday in May as “Child Welfare Professionals Recognition Day” to recognize the efforts of all professionals who work with abused children and dysfunctional families. The Department of Children and Families, local governments, and other agencies are encouraged to sponsor events to promote awareness of the child welfare system and the personnel who work in the system.

F.S. 683.332 Ronshay Dugans Act.

(1) This section may be cited as the “Ronshay Dugans Act.” (2) The first week of September is designated as “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week” in this state. During Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Department of Transportation are encouraged to educate the law enforcement community and the public about the relationship between fatigue and performance and the research showing fatigue to be as much of an impairment as alcohol and as dangerous while operating a motor vehicle.

F.S. 683.333 Foster Family Appreciation Week.

(1) The second week of February of each year is designated as “Foster Family Appreciation Week” to recognize the enduring and invaluable contributions that foster parents provide to the children in their care and, thus, to the future of this state. (2) The Department of Children and Families, local governments, and other agencies are encouraged to sponsor events to promote awareness of the contributions made by foster families to the vitality of the state.

F.S. 683.334 Victims of Communism Day.

(1) The Governor shall proclaim November 7 of each year as “Victims of Communism Day,” which shall be suitably observed in the public schools of the state as a day honoring the 100 million people who have fallen victim to communist regimes across the world and which shall be suitably observed by public exercise in the State Capitol and elsewhere as the Governor may designate. (2) If November 7 falls on a day that is not a school day, “Victims of Communism Day” shall be observed in the public schools in the state on the preceding school day or on such school day as may be designated by local school authorities. (3)(a) Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, high school students enrolled in the United States Government class required by s. 1003.4282(3)(d) must receive at least 45 minutes of instruction on “Victims of Communism Day” to include topics such as Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution, Joseph Stalin and the Soviet System, Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution, Vladimir Lenin and the Russian Revolution, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, and Nicolás Maduro and the Chavismo movement, and how victims suffered under these regimes through poverty, starvation, migration, systemic lethal violence, and suppression of speech. (b) No later than April 1, 2023, the State Board of Education must adopt revised social studies standards for inclusion in the United States Government class required by s. 1003.4282(3)(d) which incorporate the requirements of this subsection.

F.S. 683.335 9/11 Heroes’ Day.

(1) The Governor shall proclaim September 11 of each year as “9/11 Heroes’ Day,” which shall be suitably observed in the public schools of the state as a day honoring those who perished in the September 11, 2001, attacks, including 2,763 people at the World Trade Center, 189 people at the Pentagon, and 44 people on United Airlines Flight 93, and the 25,000 people maimed or fatally injured on or after that date, and which shall be suitably observed by public exercise in the State Capitol and elsewhere as the Governor may designate. (2) If September 11 falls on a day that is not a school day, “9/11 Heroes’ Day” shall be observed in the public schools in the state on the preceding school day or on such school day as may be designated by local school authorities. (3) Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, middle school and high school students enrolled in the civics education class required by s. 1003.4156 or the United States Government class required by s. 1003.4282(3)(d), respectively, must receive at least 45 minutes of instruction on “9/11 Heroes’ Day” topics involving the history and significance of September 11, 2001, including remembering the sacrifice of military personnel, government employees, civilians, and emergency responders who were killed, wounded, or suffered sickness due to the terrorist attacks on or after that date, including, but not limited to: (a) The historical context of global terrorism. (b) A timeline of events on September 11, 2001, including the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93. (c) The selfless heroism of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, other first responders, and civilians involved in the rescue and recovery of victims and the heroic actions taken by the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93. (d) The unprecedented outpouring of humanitarian, charitable, and volunteer aid occurring after the events of September 11, 2001. (e) The global response to terrorism and importance of respecting civil liberties while ensuring safety and security. (4) The State Board of Education must adopt revised social studies standards for inclusion in the civics education course required by s. 1003.4156 and the United States Government class required by s. 1003.4282(3)(d) which incorporate the requirements of this section.

F.S. 683.336 Hot Car Death Prevention Month.

(1) The month of April is designated as “Hot Car Death Prevention Month” to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving children in motor vehicles unattended and to educate the public in preventing hot car deaths of children. (2) The Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, local governments, and other agencies are encouraged to sponsor events that promote public awareness on the dangers of leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle and methods to prevent hot car deaths of children, including educating the public relating to: (a) Proper motor vehicle safety for children; (b) The criminal penalties associated with leaving a child in a motor vehicle unattended or unsupervised; and (c) Steps a bystander can take to rescue a vulnerable child in imminent danger, as set forth in s. 768.139.

F.S. 683.337 Move Over Awareness Week.

(1) The week of April 14 of each year is designated as “Move Over Awareness Week” to educate the motoring public on the dangers of failing to comply with the Move Over Act and to honor those who have been injured or killed by motorists who failed to move over pursuant to s. 316.126. (2) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, local governments, and other agencies are encouraged to sponsor events to promote public awareness of the dangers of failing to comply with the Move Over Act.

F.S. 683.1455 American Founders’ Month.

(1) The month of September of each year is designated as “American Founders’ Month.” (2) The Governor may annually issue a proclamation designating the month of September as “American Founders’ Month” and urging all civic, fraternal, and religious organizations and public and private educational institutions to recognize and observe this occasion through appropriate programs, meetings, services, or celebrations in which state, county, and local governmental officials are invited to participate.

F.S. 683.1475 Veterans Appreciation Month.

(1) The month of November of each year is designated as “Veterans Appreciation Month.” (2) The Governor may issue a proclamation annually designating the month of November as Veterans Appreciation Month and encouraging counties, municipalities, public schools, and residents of this state to observe the occasion by creating special programs and events to show appreciation for the veterans who have served the United States.

F.S. 683.3341 Responsible Fatherhood Month.

(1) The Legislature designates the month of June as “Responsible Fatherhood Month” to recognize the importance of fathers in their children’s lives, how fathers contribute to their children’s safety and stability, and the direct link between positive father involvement and child well-being. (2) The Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, local governments, and other agencies are encouraged to sponsor events to promote awareness of responsible fatherhood engagement and the contributions fathers make in the lives of their children.

F.S. 683.3342 Revive Awareness Day.

(1) June 6 of each year is designated as “Revive Awareness Day.” (2) The Governor may issue an annual proclamation designating June 6 as “Revive Awareness Day.” (3) The Department of Health is encouraged to hold events to raise awareness of the dangers of opioid overdose and the availability and safe use of opioid antagonists as an effective way to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

F.S. 683.3343 Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day.

(1) The Legislature designates August 21 of each year as “Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day” to increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and potential overdoses. (2) The Department of Health, the Department of Children and Families, local governments, public schools, and other agencies are encouraged to sponsor events to promote awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and potential overdoses, including, but not limited to, education on the prevention of fentanyl abuse and addiction; the availability of local school and community resources for drug prevention and any processes involved in accessing those resources; and health issues, including information about substance use and abuse, specifically youth substance use and abuse.

Source: FL Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter683/AllFetched: 7/8/2026