In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced an extra state holiday for 2026 — Presidents Day.
Come July 4, the nation will celebrate 250 years since the United States Declaration of Independence.
Though Presidents Day has been recognized as a federal holiday since the 1800s, Florida’s state employees will also get a chance to celebrate this year.
Formerly Washington’s Birthday, the holiday is observed every February on the third Monday of the month and honors presidents George Washington, who was born Feb. 22, and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is Feb. 12.
Here’s what to know about Presidents Day in Florida and what’s open, closed Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, on the Treasure Coast.
When is Presidents Day 2026?
Presidents Day is always the third Monday in February. This year, it falls on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
Is Presidents Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Presidents Day, formerly Washington’s Birthday, has been a holiday for federal workers since the 1800s.
After George Washington died in December of 1799, Americans began celebrating his birthday as an unofficial holiday. By 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed the observation of Washington’s Birthday into law due to its popularity.
Implemented in 1880, the holiday initially only applied to District federal workers, according to the U.S. National Archives. It wasn’t until 1885 that it was extended to federal workers in the thirty-eight states.
Presidents Day 2026 becomes Florida holiday in honor of America’s 250
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the extra state holiday at a news conference in Vero Beach on Jan. 30 while discussing state plans for America 250, a celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“…This year for America’s 250, we’ll recognize Washington’s birthday, not just federally, but as a state holiday,” DeSantis said. “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.”
Although Florida law lists “Washington’s Birthday, the third Monday in February” among “legal holidays, which are also public holidays,” Presidents Day is not a recognized state holiday, with the exception for 2026, as announced by DeSantis.
Is there school on Presidents Day on the Treasure Coast, Florida?
Schools will be closed on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Martin, Indian River and St. Lucie counties.
All but four of Florida’s 67 counties will have Presidents Day off in 2026.
Are banks, grocery stores closed on Presidents Day?
Banks will be closed Feb. 16 for Presidents Day. Banks generally close on the same days as the Federal Reserve, which follows the federal holiday schedule.
As for grocery stores, most retailers will remain open for the holiday, operating at regular hours.
Are post offices closed on Presidents Day?
All U.S. Postal Service locations will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents Day. Regular mail delivery and retail services resume Tuesday, Feb. 17.
UPS pickup and delivery services are available on Presidents Day, while FedEx offers “modified service.”
Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network – Florida
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Is Presidents Day a federal holiday? This year, Florida celebrates too
Reporting by Ashley Ferrer, Kim Luciani and Jim Rosica, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
