Presidents’ Day 2026 closes federal offices, public schools, and banks in South Florida this Monday, February 16, but supermarkets, public transportation, and most restaurants maintain normal operations.
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When is Presidents’ Day and why is it celebrated?
Presidents’ Day is celebrated on Monday, February 16. The first celebration of this holiday dates back to the 19th century, when the life of the first President of the United States, George Washington, was celebrated. In 1885, Washington’s birthday became the first day designated as a federal holiday.
Then, in 1971, the holiday was moved to the third Monday in February as a result of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, designed to give workers several long weekends throughout the year. According to the National Archives, the proximity of the holiday between the birthdays of Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who was born on February 12, “gave rise to the popular name Presidents’ Day.”
What will be open on Presidents’ Day?
The Public transportation in Broward and Miami-Dade counties will operate on its regular weekday schedule. The airports will also remain open.
Supermarkets, wholesale stores, and pharmacies
- ALDI
- Albertsons
- Best Buy
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- CVS
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Dollar General
- Dollar Tree
- DSW
- Family Dollar
- Hobby Lobby – The stores will operate on reduced hours from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Home Depot
- HomeGoods
- Kohl’s
- Kroger
- Lowe’s
- Macy’s
- Marshalls
- Michael’s
- Nordstrom
- Office Depot/Office Max
- Party City
- Petco
- Petsmart
- Publix – Some locations may close early
- Ross
- Sam’s Club – The stores will close early at 6 p.m.
- Sedano’s
- Staples
- Target
- Trader Joe’s
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
- Winn-Dixie
- Amazon will also continue with its deliveries during the holiday.
Restaurant chains will be open, including:
- Applebee’s
- Arby’s
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Burger King
- Cheesecake Factory
- Chipotle
- Chili’s
- Chick-fil-A
- Cinnabon
- Dairy Queen
- Denny’s
- Dunkin’
- Domino’s
- Five Guys
- IHOP
- KFC
- Krispy Kreme
- McDonald’s
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Presidents’ Day closes NYSE, public schools, and federal libraries on February 16, 2026. South Florida takes advantage of the Caribbean sun in shopping malls and accessible beaches. USPS pauses deliveries while UPS fills logistical gaps efficiently. Long holiday invites family outings despite selective, timely government closures.
