It's been a long, hot summer in Florida.
There's really no end in sight since it typically doesn't get "cool" in Florida until — maybe — somewhere between December and February. Even the freezing temps Florida felt in February is nothing more than a distant memory.
What we can look forward to is the next long weekend, which isn't too far away: Labor Day.
Not only is the day one of 11 federal holidays, but it's also a state holiday in Florida.
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All public schools will be closed Sept. 7 and most government offices will be closed as we celebrate the unofficial end of summer.
When is Labor Day 2026?
Labor Day 2026 is observed on the first Monday in September.
In 2026, Labor Day will be observed on Monday, Sept. 7, giving many workers a three-day weekend.
Is Labor Day a state holiday in Florida?
Yes. Labor Day is a paid holiday observed by state agencies in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Management Services.
Is Labor Day a federal holiday?
Yes. Labor Day is also one of 11 federal holidays.
What is Labor Day all about?
"Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers," according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
"The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being."
Labor Day symbolizes end of summer
"Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans and is celebrated with parties, cookouts, parades and athletic events," according to history.com.
Violence shook nation before Labor Day became national holiday
Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on Feb. 21, 1887.
Protests began popping up in the U.S. to protest poor working conditions and seeking employers to renegotiate hours and pay. Some turned violent, including the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, where several policemen and workers were killed, according to history.com.
On June 26, 1894, the American Railroad Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, called for a boycott of all Pullman railway cars, crippling railroad traffic nationwide. "To break the strike, the federal government dispatched troops to Chicago, unleashing a wave of riots that resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen workers."
Two days later, "In the wake of this violent unrest — and in an attempt to repair ties with essential American workers," on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.
What were working conditions when first Labor Day was established?
"In the late 1800s, the average American laborer worked 12-hour days, seven days a week, in order to eke out a basic living," according to history.com.
"Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.
"People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks."
Is mail delivered on Labor Day?
No. Post offices will be closed and there will be no regular mail delivery on Labor Day, Sept. 7.
Is the stock market closed on Labor Day?
Yes. U.S. stock markets will be closed for Labor Day, Sept. 7.
What about Publix, Walmart and other stores? Will they be closed on Labor Day?
Most supermarkets, retail stores and restaurants are open on Labor Day. Many offer special sales to entice customers.
➤ Your Labor Day 2026 shopping guide to the best end-of-summer deals
Publix is closed for three holidays: Easter, Thanksgiving day and Christmas.
Walmart closes for two holidays: Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. Always call to confirm hours since they may vary.
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Labor Day shopping guides to help you save
- When do the Labor Day sales start?
- Are there any early Labor Day sales happening now?
- What are some Labor Day deals you can expect?
- What are the most popular Labor Day sales to watch for?
- What stores are open on Labor Day?
First Labor Day celebration was almost disaster
"On Sept. 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history," according to history.com.
"By 10 a.m., the Grand Marshall of the parade, William McCabe, his aides and their police escort were all in place for the start of the parade. There was only one problem: none of the men had moved. The few marchers that had shown up had no music," according to the Department of Labor.
Then it was the jewelers to the rescue.
Two hundred marchers from the Jewelers Union of Newark Two had just crossed the ferry — and they had a band. The parade started. Final reports of the total number of marchers ranged from 10,000 to 20,000 men and women.
"Even some unions that had not participated in the parade showed up (at a nearby park) to join in the post-parade festivities that included speeches, a picnic, an abundance of cigars, and 'Lager beer kegs... mounted in every conceivable place.'
"From 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. that night, nearly 25,000 union members and their families filled the park and celebrated the very first, and almost entirely disastrous, Labor Day."
What other state holidays are coming this year in Florida?
Remaining state holidays this year in Florida are:
- Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7
- Veterans' Day: Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 26
- Friday after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 27
- Christmas Day: Friday, Dec. 25
What are remaining federal holidays in 2026?
Remaining federal holidays this year are:
- Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7
- Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 12
- Veterans' Day: Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 26
- Christmas Day: Friday, Dec. 25
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://palmbeachpost.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: When is next 3-day weekend in Florida? How many more holidays remain?
