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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared three additional holidays for Christmas and New Year's for public employees, allowing them to enjoy extra time off with their loved ones during the celebrations.
"In addition to Christmas Day and New Year's Day, our state workers will have three additional days off (December 23, 24, and 31) to spend more time with their families and loved ones this holiday season," DeSantis announced on his X account.
According to an official press release, state offices will be closed for those five days.
"Florida is in excellent shape, and we want to reward our state workers," the governor stated in the document.
"After a full year, including three costly hurricanes, we hope that these additional days off will allow state workers to spend more time with their families and loved ones during this holiday season," he added.
The Republican politician emphasized that state employees have worked tirelessly to help and assist families, specifically recalling their selfless response to Hurricane Idalia and Florida's Operation Rescue of Israel.
The aim of these additional days is to give them "a well-deserved time with their families and loved ones while enjoying the holiday season."
The measure benefits more than 100,000 employees.
According to Dan Barrow, spokesperson for the Department of Administrative Services, essential workers who are unable to step away from their duties will be able to take their break at another time within the next seven months.
This is not the first time that DeSantis's administration has granted additional days off during holidays such as Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, or the weeks of Christmas and New Year's, allowing workers to occasionally enjoy long four-day weekends.
Employees in Florida are entitled to nine paid holidays throughout the year. These days are: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, and Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Additional Holidays in Florida
What additional holidays will there be for public employees in Florida in 2024?
The additional holidays will be December 23, 24, and 31. These days will be added to the usual Christmas and New Year's holidays, allowing public employees to enjoy extra time with their families during the festive season.
How many employees will this measure of additional holiday days benefit in Florida?
The measure will benefit over 100,000 employees. This decision aims to reward their hard work throughout the year, especially in response to events such as Hurricane Idalia.
What happens to essential workers who are unable to take the additional holiday days?
Essential workers will be able to take their time off at a later date. According to the spokesperson for the Department of Administrative Services, they will have up to seven months to enjoy these additional days off.
Why have additional holidays been granted in Florida?
The measure aims to reward state employees for their tireless work. In 2024, they have faced significant challenges, including three hurricanes. Governor DeSantis wants workers to enjoy some well-deserved time with their families during the holiday season.
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