Florida Senator Rick Scott’s renewed push for the Sunshine Protection Act aims to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, with backing from key House and Senate leaders, emphasizing health, benefits

Tallahassee, Florida – As Americans prepare to set their clocks forward this Sunday, Senator Rick Scott is leading a bipartisan effort to end the long-standing tradition of changing the time twice a year. With the backing of 17 fellow senators, Scott is reintroducing the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country.

The Florida senator has been a vocal advocate for this change, having already signed similar legislation as governor in 2018. While Florida passed a law to stay on DST year-round, it requires federal approval to take effect. Now, Scott is taking the fight to Congress, urging lawmakers to put an end to what he calls an outdated and disruptive practice.

Scott argues that switching between Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time is no longer necessary and has more downsides than benefits.

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“Americans are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year – it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than a benefit to them. President Trump and the American people are on board with locking the lock, and now it’s time we pass the Sunshine Protection Act to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. Let’s give families in Florida and across the nation the much-needed benefit of more sunshine and make this ‘spring forward’ the last one!,” Scott said.

The bill has also gained traction in the House of Representatives, where Congressman Vern Buchanan is leading the charge. Buchanan echoed Scott’s concerns, emphasizing the health, economic, and productivity benefits of making DST permanent.

“It’s clear that Americans want to do away with changing their clocks twice a year, and my bill will end this outdated practice,” Buchanan said.

The twice-a-year time change has been a topic of debate for decades. Originally introduced to conserve energy during World War I, the practice was reinstated during World War II and later standardized in the 1960s. Over the years, however, experts have questioned its effectiveness, with studies showing minimal energy savings and increased concerns about its impact on sleep patterns, workplace productivity, and overall well-being.

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Supporters of permanent DST argue that it would extend evening daylight hours, reducing accidents, boosting mental health, and providing a boost to businesses that benefit from more daylight in the evenings. Critics, however, raise concerns about darker mornings, especially for school children and early-morning workers.

This isn’t the first attempt to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. In 2022, the Senate unanimously passed a similar bill, but it failed to gain traction in the House. This time, however, Buchanan says momentum is building.

“Just recently, we’ve had very promising conversations with House leadership, Energy and Commerce committee members and administration officials about holding hearings and acting on my bill this Congress. Florida lawmakers have already voted to make daylight saving time permanent, and Congress should pass the Sunshine Protection Act to move Florida and the rest of the country to year-round daylight saving time,” he noted.

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With bipartisan support and growing public frustration over the biannual time change, the Sunshine Protection Act may have a real chance of passing this time around. If successful, this year’s “spring forward” could be the last time Americans ever have to change their clocks.