Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that February 16, 2026, will officially be recognized as Presidents' Day, making it a state holiday in Florida. This date, which honors the birthday of George Washington, is not celebrated as a national holiday across the United States, setting Florida apart from other major holidays like Independence Day. DeSantis emphasized the significance of Washington as a founding figure in American history, underscoring the importance of this holiday in relation to the commemorative events marking the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

The establishment of Presidents' Day as a state holiday is part of a larger celebration led by the state in conjunction with federal initiatives from the White House. DeSantis's decision reflects an effort to boost state pride and educate residents about the historical significance of the nation's founding figures. This change indicates a growing trend in American politics where state and federal celebrations are interlinked, particularly in the context of national milestones.

In addition to the holiday recognition, the impending long weekend from February 12 to 16 will not result in uniform school closures across all counties in Florida. This raises questions regarding the implementation and consistency of holiday observances statewide, particularly how different counties might handle school schedules and local business operations during this period. The decision adds another layer of complexity to the holiday planning for families and educational institutions, especially considering the differing approaches that may arise among Florida's various counties.