Daylight Saving Time ends despite Sunshine Protection Act
TAMPA (FOX 13) - Twice a year, we change our watches and our clocks: In March, we spring forward, and in November, we fall back.
This weekend, we gain that extra hour. State lawmakers, however, tried their hardest to put an end to changing times in Florida.
They want Florida to stay in Daylight Saving Time forever.
"If you look at the history of switching the clocks back and forth, the reason it was instituted was in World War I to conserve fuel,” said Sarasota Senator Greg Steube back in January. “Well obviously, we don't have this issues anymore."
Steube spearheaded the Sunshine Protection Act, and Governor Rick Scott actually signed it into law back in March.
The problem is, this type of change needs action from Congress.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio filed two bills to make it permanent. His office tells FOX 13 News they're both still in committee.
"You can't have one state on a different time zone compared to others on the East Coast, so no, I don't see any action,” U.S. Representative Kathy Castor said in March. “I understand the reasons behind it, but I don't see that as a top-tier issue right now."
Some parents worry the change would put more kids in danger, going to school in the dark.
Florida would also be an hour ahead of the rest of the East Coast for most of the year, possibly creating issues for business and travel.
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However, year-round Daylight Saving Time would also mean an extra hour of beach time, likely millions of dollars for the tourism industry, plus other economic benefits.
"I think it's a good idea, it's a good start,” said Michael Doyle.
We're told Rubio plans to re-introduce the bills again next session if they don't make it out of committee
Daylight Saving Time ends early Sunday morning, so don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour.