Controversy In Florida Daylight Saving Vote

By Julia Gordon

Staff Writer

Recently, the Florida State Congress passed the Sunshine Protection Act, but it is conditional due to a federal law.

Each spring, people suffer through the loss of sleep, and moods change with the darkening hours due to daylight saving each fall. Widely believed as the law of the land, few states have dared to question it.

Yet, the Sunshine Protection Act states that, as of July 1, the state of Florida will officially operate on permanent daylight saving time. The bill was passed overwhelmingly, however, the issue is its legality.

Florida does not have the authority to adopt daylight saving time year-round because the federal government controls the nation’s time zones. Still, states such as Arizona and Hawaii have chosen to exempt themselves from daylight saving time in the past.

Due to this, the legislation, H.B. 1013, is written conditionally.

“Daylight saving time shall be the year-round standard time of the entire state and all of its political subdivisions,” the bill reads. “The United States Congress must amend 15 U.S.C. s. 260a to authorize states to observe daylight saving time year-round.”

Although general reactions around the state have polled positive for the Sunshine Protection Act, the Lynn community has a different stance.

“I don’t really see the point of it. If anything, stick with the rest of the world,” said Fredrick Lamar, sophomore. “With globalization, how are we going to be in a different time than the rest of the world?”

One of the reasons this bill was presented was so that more tourists would be able to spend time shopping at the many attractions Florida has to offer. Another factor in the debate of the Sunshine Protection Act is the lack of an adjustment period after daylight saving times.

“I am not quite sure whether I am going to miss it, but I think it will save us a lot of time adjusting to the change in sleep,” said Denise Belafonte, professor.

Individuals are both uncomfortable with the idea of a change and hoping to gain clarity through upcoming legislation.

“I think that I would probably like to stay on the same time zone as everyone else. It would be weird to be on a different time than everyone else,” said Ben Jackson, freshman.

Ultimately, if Congress fails to pass an amendment to their bill, the Sunshine Protection Act will have all been for nothing.

Julia Gordon

Julia Gordon is a digital art and design major from Columbus, Ohio. In addition to her communications pursuits, she also studies gemology through the Gemological Institute of America. Gordon loves reading and has a passion for photography.

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