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As though the concept of Daylight Savings Time wasn’t already frustrating and somewhat disorienting, this year’s changes in time seem to be steeped in confusion and misinformation as more and more Americans push for putting an end to the biannual practice that’s been a mainstay in most parts of the country since 1918.
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But legislating the official end to Daylight Savings Time has been a bit of an uphill battle. Despite widespread disapproval of the biannual practice, there has been no permanent solution to the issue, and as of the time of this publication, no changes in legislation at the state or federal level have been implemented, meaning that most of the clocks in the United States–including those owned by Floridians–will have to “fall back” yet again on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
In 2023, Daylight Savings Time began at 2:00 a.m. EST on Sunday, March 12, when most Americans used their clocks to “spring forward” one hour. The season of daylight savings is currently set to end at 2:00 a.m. EST on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at which time clocks will “fall back” one hour.
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Florida’s Tired of “Falling Back”
Florida is among the states in the union intent on doing away with changing the clock twice a year. And why not? The Sunshine State is home to hundreds of miles of sandy beaches, various vacation destinations, and a myriad of theme park resorts and amusement locations, including Disney World, Universal Studios Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando–all of which are far more enjoyable for visitors and native Floridians in the daylight.
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Perhaps that’s why two Floridians have been instrumental in the legislative efforts to end Daylight Savings Time once and for all.
The Sunshine Protection Act aims to permanently extend daylight savings time from just eight months out of the year to 12 months each year, bringing about an end to the twice-a-year clock-changing practice in which most Americans have participated for their entire lives. The bill was initially introduced in Congress in January 2021 by Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL). Fourteen months later, the bill was reintroduced by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), along with seven other bipartisan Congress members.
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If passed, the bill would mean the beginning of a calendar devoid of uniform time changes that usually take place twice annually–in March and November–in most states in the country. The exceptions are Hawaii and Arizona, excluding the Navajo Nation. Additionally, the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana and U.S. Virgin Islands do not participate in Daylight Savings Time.
However, the measure has not yet been passed by the United States House of Representatives, and it has yet to be signed into law by President Joe Biden.
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The U.S. Senate took a significant step on Tuesday by passing legislation that aims to establish permanent daylight saving time starting in 2023. This move would put an end to the biannual clock changes that many people find disruptive. The legislation, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, received unanimous approval from the Senate through a voice vote.
Two years ago, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 successfully passed the Florida Legislature, yet its implementation within the state was contingent on congressional approval, which it did not secure in the U.S. House.
Outside of a miracle that takes place literally overnight, it looks like Floridians, as well as Disney World guests and other travelers, along with the rest of the United States, will have to fall back next weekend, despite their earnest hopes.
