This Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the United States celebrates Veterans Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring those who have served in the country's Armed Forces.
In South Florida, most supermarkets, shopping centers, and restaurants remain open, while banks, public schools, government offices, and postal services suspend their usual activities.
The event also includes commemorative activities, parades, and special promotions for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
However, the hours of some establishments and services may vary depending on the location.
Veterans Day has its origins in the armistice of November 11, 1918, which ended the fighting in World War I.
In 1938, the date was recognized as a federal holiday under the name of Armistice Day. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law that transformed it into Veterans Day, expanding the tribute to veterans of all American military conflicts.
Supermarkets and large stores: open as usual
Those needing to do shopping can visit the main chains of supermarkets in South Florida, which maintain their usual hours during the holiday.
Among the open establishments are Publix, Winn-Dixie, Sedano's, Whole Foods Market, Aldi, Price Choice, and Milam's Market, according to information published by the Miami Herald.
The major retailers Costco, BJ's Wholesale Club, Target, and Walmart are also operating normally, as are the pharmacies CVS and Walgreens.
The main shopping centers in the region, including Aventura Mall, Dadeland Mall, The Falls, and Sawgrass Mills, remain open.
However, the hours of some stores may vary, so it is advisable to check directly with each establishment.
Banks: mostly closed
Most bank branches remain closed this Wednesday due to Veterans Day being on the Federal Reserve's holiday calendar.
Among the affected entities are Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, although there may be exceptions at certain branches.
ATMs and digital banking services remain available.
However, some transfers, deposits, and other banking operations may not be processed until Thursday, November 12, the next business day, according to USA TODAY.
Mail and messaging: USPS closed, UPS and FedEx open
The United States Postal Service (USPS) keeps its offices closed and suspends regular mail delivery on Veterans Day.
The Priority Mail Express service may operate under special conditions, while regular postal operations will resume on Thursday, November 12.
For their part, UPS and FedEx continue to provide their package pickup and delivery services, as well as customer support at their locations.
UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations shipments will require an additional business day for transit due to the USPS closure during the holiday.
Stock market: open, but the bond market closes
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are operating normally this Wednesday, as Veterans Day is not classified among the holidays that require the closure of major U.S. stock markets.
The bond market, on the other hand, remains closed, according to the schedule of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA).
Schools and universities in South Florida
The public schools in the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe remain closed this Wednesday for Veterans Day.
The Miami-Dade school district confirmed that its educational centers and administrative offices will resume operations on Thursday, November 12.
Public higher education institutions such as Florida International University (FIU) and Miami Dade College also remain closed.
In contrast, the private universities University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University continue their usual activities.
The University of Miami also organizes a special recognition event for veterans, called Veterans Appreciation Day, at The Rock, within its campus, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Public libraries: closed, with one exception in Broward
The public libraries in Miami-Dade and Broward remain closed during the federal holiday.
In Miami-Dade, the closure affects all branches of the public library system, including the Allapattah branch, located at 1799 NW 35th Street.
In Broward, the exception noted by the Miami Herald is the Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University, which remains open throughout the day.
Government offices and courts: closed
Federal agencies are suspending their normal activities this Wednesday, including the Social Security Administration.
Numerous state and local offices responsible for vehicle registrations, driver's licenses, and other administrative services also remain closed.
The courts and government offices in Miami-Dade and Broward counties remain closed for the holiday. Emergency services and other essential operations continue to operate.
Public transportation: regular service in Miami-Dade and Broward
Public transportation maintains its regular operations from Monday to Friday in the main systems of South Florida.
In Miami-Dade, Metrobus, Metrorail, Metromover, and MetroConnect are operating on their regular weekday schedules, as confirmed by the county's Department of Transportation and Public Works.
The administrative offices and certain public service departments, however, remain closed during the holiday.
In Broward, public transportation also operates on its regular schedule from Monday to Friday.
Garbage collection: regular service
Garbage collection services continue to operate normally in Miami, Miami-Dade County, Broward, and Fort Lauderdale.
Residents who have waste collection scheduled for this Wednesday will receive the service at their usual time.
The Solid Waste Management Department of Miami-Dade confirmed that both garbage collection and recyclable material collection remain unchanged.
The waste and recycling centers will also maintain their regular hours, although the administrative offices of the department will remain closed.
Restaurants with free meals and discounts for veterans
Numerous restaurant chains in the United States offer free meals, drinks, and special discounts to veterans and active-duty members of the Armed Forces on Veterans Day.
Among the chains that announced promotions for 2026 are Applebee's, Chili's, Denny's, Golden Corral, Olive Garden, Red Robin, and Starbucks, according to USA TODAY.
Offers may include free dishes, discounts on meals, and complimentary drinks, depending on the terms set by each company.
Most promotions require presenting military identification or some document that verifies service in the Armed Forces. Many are valid only for consumption on the premises and at participating locations.
Therefore, it is recommended to consult directly with the restaurant before visiting, as conditions may vary by location.
Miami Beach celebrates its annual Veterans Day parade
Miami Beach celebrates its 18th annual Veterans Day parade this Wednesday, one of the main commemorative activities of the day in South Florida.
The parade will start at 11:11 in the morning and will march along Ocean Drive, from 5th Street to 15th Street, with the participation of community organizations, veterans, and local groups.
At 12:15 PM, a commemorative ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lummus Park, which will include a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, and the laying of a wreath in honor of the fallen military personnel.
Veterans Day has its origins in the armistice of November 11, 1918, which ended the fighting in World War I. In 1938, the date was recognized as a federal holiday under the name of Armistice Day. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law that transformed it into Veterans Day, expanding the tribute to veterans of all U.S. military conflicts.
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