Columbus Day in Florida: What’s Open and What’s Not?

Monday, October 12, marks the observance of Columbus Day, a federal holiday in the United States that is also recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Day. In Florida, the day brings a mix of closures and services running as usual, depending on the type of institution and county. As highlighted by a guide from the Bradenton Herald, being a federal holiday doesn’t necessarily mean that schools, transportation, stores, or private businesses must shut down.

Postal Services, Banks, and Financial Markets

The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not be making regular deliveries or staffing counters. However, the Priority Mail Express service remains available 365 days a year, including all federal holidays.

Most major bank branches—such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, Capital One, and Truist—will be closed. ATMs and online banking services remain operational, though some transactions might not process until Tuesday, October 13.

The NYSE and Nasdaq stock exchanges will operate as usual. In contrast, the bond market will close as per the guidelines of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. Additionally, UPS and FedEx delivery services, as well as their stores, will maintain regular hours.

Government Offices and Courts

Federal government offices, including the IRS and federal courts, will be closed. Most state offices will follow suit since Columbus Day is one of Florida’s 21 legal holidays.

Florida is among 29 states that do not recognize Columbus Day as a state holiday, nor do they formally acknowledge Indigenous Peoples' Day, leaving closure decisions to individual counties and school districts.

Miami-Dade County

In Miami-Dade, county administrative offices, public libraries, and the Pet Adoption and Protection Center will be closed. Those needing in-person services will have to wait until Tuesday, October 13.

However, public transportation and garbage collection will operate without interruption in Miami-Dade. Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus will follow their regular weekday schedule, and waste collection will proceed as planned.

Miami-Dade public schools will hold classes as usual since the 2026-2027 school calendar does not designate October 12 as a day off or a teacher planning day. The county also honors this date as Indigenous Peoples' Day, recognizing indigenous communities and the historical presence of the Miccosukee in South Florida.

Schools Across Florida

Unlike Miami-Dade, most school districts in Florida will close their campuses, often marking it as a teacher planning day rather than an official holiday.

Districts with regular classes include Bradford, Citrus, DeSoto, Dixie, Hardee, Highlands, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Lee, Liberty, Madison, Martin, Polk, Sumter, and Taylor.

In the northwest of the state, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have closed schools due to both the fall break and the damage caused by Hurricane Isaias, which hit the area earlier in the month. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties on October 6, with Santa Rosa extending closures while assessing ongoing damage.

Retail Stores, Supermarkets, and Pharmacies

Supermarkets and large retail chains—Walmart, Target, Costco, Publix, and Aldi—will be open with their usual hours. CVS and Walgreens pharmacies will also be open, though some in-store pharmacies might have reduced hours. Restaurants and general retailers will operate normally.

In summary, Columbus Day in Florida results in the closure of federal institutions and banks, but most everyday services continue, with significant variations depending on the county.