Labor Day 2025 is almost here, which means a three-day weekend for most of the country.
Often considered the unofficial end of summer, the holiday's roots go back to the late 19th century and have nothing to do with summer but everything to do with workers.
"Recreation and amusement of the workers and their families" has been part of the holiday since its inception. But what even is Labor Day? And what are its origins?
Here's what will be closed in Florida on Labor Day, along with the holiday's history.
When is Labor Day 2025? Is it a federal holiday?
Labor Day is the first Monday in September. This year, it falls on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. It is one of the 11 federal holidays in the U.S., which includes:
New Year’s Day - Jan. 1
Martin Luther King’s Birthday - 3rd Monday in January
Washington’s Birthday - 3rd Monday in February
Memorial Day - last Monday in May
Juneteenth National Independence Day - June 19
Independence Day - July 4
Labor Day - 1st Monday in September
Indigenous Peoples' Day - 2nd Monday in October
Veterans’ Day - Nov. 11
Thanksgiving Day - 4th Thursday in November
Christmas Day - Dec. 25
What is Labor Day? Why do we celebrate? See holiday's history
Labor Day is an annual celebration of the achievements of American workers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The holiday is rooted in the late 19th century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being. Many Americans celebrate Labor Day with parades, picnics and parties.
In the proposal for a national holiday, it was suggested that the day should be observed with a street parade to exhibit "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
There is some debate over who the founder of the holiday was, but the U.S. Labor Department points to two possible names: Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire.
McGuire, who was the general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, is recorded in some 1882 historical documents suggesting a "general holiday for the laboring classes."
In recent years, research has emerged pointing to Matthew Maguire, the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Patterson, New Jersey, as the holiday's true founder.
Both men reportedly attended the nation's first Labor Day Parade in New York City. Regardless of origin, the day's intent remains to celebrate the hard-working people who make the country run every day.
Are Florida government offices open on Labor Day 2025?
Florida's state, local and federal offices will be closed on Labor Day.
Are banks open on Labor Day in Florida?
Most banks follow the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule and close for Labor Day. ATMs and ATM branches will still be operating normally.
Will the DMV be open on Labor Day?
No, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will not be open.
Will I get mail on Labor Day? Will FedEx, UPS deliver?
Mostly, no. All U.S. post offices will be closed, and regular mail delivery will be suspended.
UPS and FedEx will not deliver packages on Labor Day.
Can I go to Publix or Chick-fil-A? Will stores, restaurants close for Labor Day?
Most restaurants, fast-food establishments and grocery stores are open. So you can still squeeze in a Publix run if you need to. However, Costco will be closed.
You may want to call local stores or restaurants you plan to visit and ask if they'll be open.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Labor Day in Florida: See holiday's origins, what's open and closed,
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