Florida School Calendar and Holidays

Planning for the upcoming school year is a big task for any Florida family. Knowing the first day of school, last day of school, spring break, winter break, Thanksgiving break, and federal holidays like Labor Day, Presidents Day, and Memorial Day helps you stay organized.

This page provides a detailed look at the Florida School Calendar for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years for some of the state’s largest school districts.

Florida School Calendar and Holidays
Florida School Calendar and Holidays

Overview of the Florida School Calendar

The Sunshine State’s public school system is vast and diverse, serving millions of students across 67 county-based districts. Each school district in Florida sets its own calendar, leading to variations in start and end dates. However, the state mandates a minimum number of instructional days, a standard that shapes the academic calendar across Florida.

First Day of School

The first day of school marks the beginning of a new academic journey.

For the 2027-2028 school year, early indications show that students will also return in August:

  • Broward County: Tuesday, August 10, 2027.
  • Marion County: Tuesday, August 10, 2027.

Last Day of School

The 2027-2028 school year is expected to end on the following dates:

  • Broward County: Wednesday, May 31, 2028.
  • Marion County: Thursday, May 25, 2028.

Key Florida School Holidays 2026-2027

This table outlines key dates for the 2026-2027 school year.

Holiday / BreakDate(s)
First Day of School (Broward/Marion)August 10, 2026
Labor DaySeptember 7, 2026
Columbus Day / Teacher Planning (Broward)October 12, 2026
Veterans DayNovember 11, 2026
Thanksgiving BreakNovember 23 – 27, 2026
Winter BreakDecember 21, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 18, 2027
Presidents DayFebruary 15, 2027
Spring BreakMarch 22 – 26, 2027
Last Day of School (Broward)May 28, 2027

Key Florida School Holidays 2027-2028

Holiday / BreakDate(s)
First Day of School (Broward)August 10, 2027
Thanksgiving BreakTo be confirmed by your district
Winter BreakTo be confirmed by your district
Spring BreakTo be confirmed by your district
Last Day of School (Broward)May 31, 2028

Understanding Florida School Calendar Variations

A unique aspect of the Florida education system is that each of the state’s 67 counties operates its own school board and manages its own academic calendar. This means a family in Broward County might have a different spring break than a family in Miami-Dade County.

Variations often stem from:

  • Local Holidays: Some districts may observe different holidays or have additional days off to accommodate professional learning days or local events.
  • Teacher Workdays: The scheduling of employee planning days for teachers can shift student holidays.
  • Tourism Economy: In South Florida, for example, spring break timing is sometimes carefully coordinated with the tourism economy.
  • Make-up Days: Hurricane season impacts Florida, and many districts build “severe weather make-up days” into their calendars, which can alter the last day of school.

County-by-County School Calendar Guide

Here is a look at some of Florida’s most prominent school districts. You can often find the Florida School Calendar PDF directly on their websites.

Broward County Public Schools

First Day: August 10, 2026
Last Day: May 28, 2027
Spring Break: March 22-26, 2027

Read More: Broward County Schools Calendar

Miami-Dade County Public Schools

First Day: August 13, 2026
Last Day: June 3, 2027
Spring Break: March 22-26, 2027

Hillsborough County Public Schools

First Day: August 10, 2026

Orange County Public Schools

First Day: August 11, 2026
Last Day: May 26, 2027

How to Verify Florida School Calendar Dates

The information provided here is a fantastic starting point for your end-of-year plans and vacation scheduling. However, since dates can change, it is crucial to verify the final schedule with your specific local district. Here is how:

  • Visit Your School District’s Website: This is the official source for all school calendar dates.
  • Sign Up for Alerts: Many districts offer email or text alerts for weather closures and schedule changes.
  • Search for Your School Directly: Often, the official site will have a school-by-school calendar.

About Florida School

Florida’s public school system is one of the largest in the nation, serving approximately 2.9 million students. Its diverse population influences its educational landscape, which includes robust school choice policies, a strong network of charter schools, and specialized magnet programs. The Florida Department of Education sets statewide standards and accountability frameworks, while individual school districts manage the day-to-day operations and final calendar decisions.

Calendar Download & Resources

Download the official Florida School Calendar PDF from your county’s site. Bookmark this page for a quick reference of statewide key dates.

Official Calendar Source: Broward County Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the school year start in Florida?

For most districts, the first day of school is around the second week of August.

What are the major school holidays in Florida?

Federal holidays and school breaks include Labor Day, Veterans Day, a week-long Thanksgiving Break, a two-week Winter Break, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, and a week-long Spring Break.

Do all Florida school districts have the same calendar?

No. Each of Florida’s 67 county-based school districts sets its own calendar, leading to variations in start dates, holidays, and teacher workdays.

How many school days are required in Florida?

Florida law mandates a minimum of 180 instructional days for students per academic year.

Are there special programs or different calendars for charter schools?

Yes. Charter schools and magnet programs may operate on independent calendars or have different application deadlines. You should verify their specific schedule directly with the school.

More Calendars: