‘DeSanta Claus’ strikes again: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announces extra days off for state workers

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently made an announcement that has state workers across the Sunshine State rejoicing. In a move to promote work-life balance and allow employees to spend more time with their families during the holiday season, DeSantis declared that state workers will receive three extra days off this month.

“In addition to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, our state workers will get three extra days off—December 23, 24, and 31—to spend more time with their families and loved ones this holiday season,” the governor shared in a post on social media.

According to a press release from the governor’s office, state offices will be closed on all five of these days, giving employees a well-deserved break.

“Florida is in great shape, and we want to reward our state employees,” DeSantis stated in the press release. “After a full year—including three costly hurricanes—we hope these extra days off allow for state workers to spend more time with their families and loved ones during this holiday season.”

This isn’t the first time DeSantis has shown appreciation for state workers. Last year, state offices were closed on additional days in November and December, on top of the regular holiday closures.

The Florida Department of Management Services website lists nine paid holidays observed by state agencies in 2024, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Full-time employees are also entitled to one personal holiday each year, as per the department’s website.

“Our state employees have worked tirelessly throughout the year to aid and assist Florida families,” DeSantis emphasized in the press release. “Over the past few months, they have selflessly responded to Hurricane Idalia and the State of Florida’s Israel Rescue Operation. Closing state offices on these additional days will provide state employees with some much-deserved time with their families and loved ones while enjoying the holiday season.”

It’s clear that Governor DeSantis values the hard work and dedication of state workers and is committed to ensuring that they have the opportunity to rest and recharge during the holiday season. This gesture is sure to be appreciated by employees across the state as they celebrate with their loved ones.