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Washington Stalled Three Plans to End Clock Changes, So We Fall Back

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Floridians will turn their clocks back an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, the earliest date possible. That is despite three separate efforts in Congress this year to end the twice-yearly ritual.

The closest call was permanent daylight saving time. The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act in July with President Donald Trump’s support, but the Senate stalled the bill. Majority Leader John Thune has said it lacks a clear path forward and has doubted it can reach the 60 votes needed. Several Republican senators have also voiced opposition. If it became law, most of the country would not fall back this fall.

A second approach came from the bipartisan Sunshine for Our Kids Act, introduced in the House in July. It calls for permanent standard time nationwide, while letting states opt for year-round daylight saving time. Advocates point to potential health benefits from standard time. The bill remains in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The third was the least conventional. The Daylight Act of 2026, introduced in February, proposes “half-daylight saving time,” with clocks falling back 30 minutes instead of 60 and the seasonal changes ending altogether. Critics note it would complicate business, travel, and cross-border dealings with an oddball time zone. It also sits in committee.

Two other House bills would simply let states choose year-round daylight saving time. Florida is among roughly 19 states that have already approved it, pending federal permission. Neither bill has advanced out of committee.

Meanwhile, several of America’s Canadian neighbors adopted permanent daylight saving time this year and will not change their clocks. Florida, like other states, must keep waiting on Washington.

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