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NewsWPBF 25 NewsJuly 17, 2026Palm Beach

The Status of Permanent Daylight Saving Time in Florida

Florida has passed state-level legislation to adopt permanent daylight saving time, but the change requires federal approval to take effect. While supporters advocate for more evening sunlight, critics and sleep experts raise concerns regarding morning darkness and alignment with natural circadian rhythms.

daylight saving timefederal legislationpublic safetytransportationFlorida
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Why It Matters

If federal legislation passes, Florida residents will stop changing their clocks twice a year, resulting in later sunrise and sunset times year-round.

Key Facts

  • Florida passed state-level legislation in 2018 to adopt permanent daylight saving time.
  • Implementation of permanent daylight saving time in Florida requires federal legislative action.
  • The U.S. House has approved a bill to end the twice-a-year clock change.
  • The bill must pass the U.S. Senate before it can become law.
  • The U.S. previously implemented year-round daylight saving time in 1974.
  • During the 1974 experiment, eight Florida children were killed in early-morning traffic crashes.
  • Critics argue that permanent daylight saving time would force children to wait for school buses in the dark during winter mornings.
  • Sleep experts suggest that permanent standard time aligns better with the human body's natural clock.

Who's Mentioned

personDonald Trump“President who expressed support for the House bill.”organizationWPBF 25“News outlet reporting the story.”locationFlorida“State seeking to implement permanent daylight saving time.”personTodd McElroy“Psychology professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.”personCourtney Franks“Resident of Fort Myers.”organizationU.S. House“Passed the bill to end the twice-a-year clock change.”