Opinion: Florida Can Decide On The Time - Why Wait For A Federal Act?

Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott are once again advocating for the Sunshine Protection Act, a legislative proposal that aims to establish Daylight Saving Time (DST) as the national standard throughout the year. This push comes as the country prepares to end DST on November 3, a transition that has sparked renewed discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of time changes.

“Daylight Saving Time is not just a seasonal adjustment; it’s about improving our quality of life,” Rubio stated at a press conference this week. “By adopting year-round DST, we can enhance public safety, boost economic activity, and promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging outdoor activities in the evenings.”

Scott, who previously signed a bill as Florida’s governor to initiate the transition to permanent DST upon federal approval, echoed Rubio’s sentiments. “Florida is ready to take the lead on this issue. It’s time we align our clocks with our lives and allow for longer daylight hours year-round.”

The concept of Daylight Saving Time has a long history in the United States, dating back to the Standard Time Act of 1918, which was introduced during World War I to conserve energy. The practice was briefly reinstated during World War II before becoming more standardized with the Uniform Time Act of 1966. While the idea aims to make better use of daylight during the longer summer days, it has faced criticism, particularly during the winter months when many start their days in darkness.

In 1974, permanent federal DST was enacted but was quickly repealed due to public concerns about children heading to school and workers commuting in the dark. Critics argue that the natural cycle of shorter winter days and longer summer days occurs regardless of clock changes, leading some to question the necessity of a federal mandate for year-round DST.

So, if Florida is serious about DST, then pass a state act and join Hawaii and Arizona in keeping one time throughout the year. 

Beyond the Standard Time - Daylight Savings debate, why not unify the state under one time zone?  While most of the state operates on Eastern Time, the western Panhandle observes Central Time, creating confusion and inconsistency.