• Florida Statute 1003.42(2) includes areas of instruction that are required by state law above and beyond the state standards and are not, unless noted, course specific.There are also additional state and federal requirements from various legislation. These areas of required instruction do not have minute requirements. 

    Required Instruction/Observances When Is It Required? What Is It?
    American Founders’ Month Entire month of September Public schools are encouraged to coordinate instruction at all grade levels related to the nation’s founders, inviting government officials to participate.
    Labor Day First Monday in Sept Dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
    Patriot Day & 9/11 Commemoration Sept. 11th On 9/11, schools will hold remembrance ceremonies, beginning with moments of silence starting at 8:46 EDT to remember the victims of the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001. In addition, we honor the courage and selflessness of our first responders, servicemembers, and fellow citizens who served our Nation and its people in our hour of greatest need.
    U.S. Constitution Day Sept. 17th United States Public Law requires that public educational institutions receiving federal funds teach about the Constitution on September 17 each year.
    Celebrate Freedom Week Last full week of September Celebrate Freedom Week must include at least 3 hours of appropriate instruction in each social studies class, as determined by each school district.

    This instruction shall include an in-depth study of the intent, meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence.

    At the beginning of each school day or in homeroom, during Celebrate Freedom Week, public school principals and teachers shall conduct an oral recitation by students of the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence.
    Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15th - Oct. 15th National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries
    Holocaust Education Week Second week in Nov. November 9th and 10th marks the anniversary of Kristallnacht.

    This week was established as an opportunity to honor the memory of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust as well as the rescuers and liberators, and further proclaim that we, as citizens of the State of Florida, should work to promote human dignity and confront hate whenever and wherever it occurs.
    Victims of Communism Day Nov. 7th Calls for public schools to suitably observe as a day honoring the 100 million people who have fallen victim to communist regimes across the world. Requires high school students enrolled in the U.S. Government course, to receive at least 45 minutes of instruction on “Victims of Communism Day” on topics of communist dictators and how the victims of communism suffered under these regimes.
    Veterans Day Nov. 11th This is observed in order to encourage patriotism, the sacrifices that veterans and Medal of Honor recipients have made in serving our country and protecting democratic values worldwide. Such instruction must occur on or before Medal of Honor Day, Veterans’ Day, and Memorial Day. Members of the instructional staff are encouraged to use the assistance of local veterans and Medal of Honor recipients when practicable.
    Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs in Nov. According to Florida Statute, this is "[a] day of public thanksgiving and prayer"
    Election Day Tues. after first Mon. in Nov. This is an annual day set by law for the general elections of federal public officials.
    Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Dec. 7th We solemnly honor and uphold the memory of the patriots who lost their lives that day—“a date which will live in infamy”—and we reflect on the courage of all those who served our Nation with honor in the Second World War.
    Bill of Rights Day Dec. 15th This day is to celebrate the ratification of our first 10 amendments.
    MLK Jr. Day Jan. 16th A day honoring MLK Jr.
    African American History Month Entire February This observance was officially established by President Gerald Ford in 1976 to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
    Women’s History Month Entire March This month was established to celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.
    Medal of Honor Day March 25th This is observed in order to encourage patriotism, remember the sacrifices that veterans and Medal of Honor recipients have made in serving our country, and protecting democratic values worldwide. Such instruction must occur on or before Medal of Honor Day, Veterans’ Day, and Memorial Day. Members of the instructional staff are encouraged to use the assistance of local veterans and Medal of Honor recipients when practicable.
    Pascua Florida Day April 2nd According to Florida statute, April 2nd of each year is hereby designated as “Florida State Day.” The day is also to be known as “Pascua Florida Day.” An annual celebration of Juan Ponce de Leon’s arrival in Florida.
    Yom Hashoah/Day of Remembrance 2021-Thursday, April 8

    2022-Thursday, April 28

    2023-Tuesday, April 18

    2024-Monday, May 6

    2025-Thursday, April 24    		 The internationally recognized date for Holocaust Remembrance Day corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. It marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
    In Hebrew, Holocaust Remembrance Day is called Yom Hashoah.
    Financial Literacy Month Entire April This month was established to improve financial literacy, especially among our nation's youth, and to promote financial well-being for all consumers.
    Armed Forces Week Second Sat. of May A single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.
    Memorial Day Last Mon. of May This is observed in order to encourage patriotism, the sacrifices that veterans and Medal of Honor recipients have made in serving our country and protecting democratic values worldwide. Such instruction must occur on or before Medal of Honor Day, Veterans’ Day, and Memorial Day.

    **It should be noted that Memorial Day is specifically to remember those who died serving their country.
    Florida Emancipation Day May 20th This day is an opportunity to recognize that emancipation was proclaimed in Tallahassee on May 20, 1865, 11 days after the end of the Civil War, and two years after the Proclamation first issued by President Abraham Lincoln freed those enslaved in Southern states.