Florida Governor Extends Holiday Break for State Workers
Florida — In a move aimed at giving state employees a well-deserved break, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state workers will receive additional time off this month. Following a recent trend to provide more holiday time, DeSantis shared the news on X, stating that workers will get extra days off before Christmas and New Year’s.
Key Details
Starting December 23 and running through January 1, state employees will benefit from a five-day weekend heading into Christmas, including Christmas Day itself. Specifically, workers will take off December 23, 24, and 31, along with the official holidays of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This announcement reinforces the governor’s acknowledgment of the hard work of state employees over the past year.
Why This Matters
DeSantis emphasized the significance of this time off, stating, “Florida is in great shape, and we want to reward our state employees.” The added days are seen as a way to help workers spend valuable time with their families and loved ones during the holiday fervor. This announcement comes at the end of a challenging year that included three significant hurricanes affecting the state.
Historical Context
Since taking office, DeSantis has shown a consistent commitment to providing additional time off for state workers, particularly around major holidays. Earlier this year, for instance, he granted a four-day weekend for the 4th of July by closing state offices on July 5. Likewise, in 2022, state offices closed for three extra days during the holiday season, reflecting a pattern that prioritizes employee well-being.
Previous Holidays
DeSantis’ strategy to allow extra time off has been a regular feature during his administration. For the past five years, state workers have enjoyed additional paid time off around Christmas and New Year’s, a period traditionally marked by family gatherings and celebrations. This consistent policy illustrates a broader effort to support public servants in Florida, especially after demanding periods of work.
Community Response
The announcement has received warm responses from state workers and the public alike, with many expressing gratitude for the extra time off. Employees appreciate the opportunity to recharge and spend quality moments with loved ones after a strenuous year.
Conclusion
As the holiday season approaches, Governor DeSantis aims to enhance the well-being of state workers through thoughtful provisions that prioritize family time. By announcing these additional days off, he reinforces a commitment to acknowledging the hard efforts of those who serve the state. The initiative not only generates goodwill among employees but also highlights the importance of work-life balance, especially during a season focused on togetherness and gratitude.
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
