It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting McNeil Homestead in Holiday, FL gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Holiday, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Sherry and her team have been the perfect fit for my folks, who can be…”
“Always Best Care did a tremendous job in taking care of my grandma. She has”
“Literally the best. They helped take the best of care of my grandparents!! Can’t thank”
“Always Best Care has gone above and beyond in helping my grandmother with her health”
“Always Best Care has been such a blessing for our family. Their team has taken”
“Because of Sherry and her staff, I have a new found appreciation for the in”
“Professional care with a personal touch. Some of the nicest people I have ever met”
“I cannot speak highly enough about the exceptional in-home care and professionalism provided by Always”
“Sherry has been absolutely wonderful! She is caring and understanding and very attentive to needs.”
“ABC provides reliable experienced caregivers for my elderly client for over two years now”
“Caring and trustworthy! Elizabeth and Allison always make sure my father’s shifts are covered. They”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our”
“Maria has been the best caregiver I had for in home care from Always Best”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“Let me start off by saying that Always Best Care is the best home health”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver”
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them.”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith,”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my”
“Sherry and her team have been the perfect fit for my folks, who can be… a handful. The professionalism, understanding, patience, and kindness shown by ABC greatly enhances their quality of life, not to mention the family’s peace of mind.”
“Always Best Care did a tremendous job in taking care of my grandma. She has never been the biggest “people person” and she had no complaints about the level of care she received. It took a lot of trust for me to make this decision to move her, but I fully supported everything Always Best Care stands for and they made the transition so smooth. Absolutely impeccable staff, 11/10 recommend!”
“Literally the best. They helped take the best of care of my grandparents!! Can’t thank them enough!!”
“Always Best Care has gone above and beyond in helping my grandmother with her health needs. Special shout to Arianna Franklin for always reaching out and checking in, she’s one of a kind!”
“Always Best Care has been such a blessing for our family. Their team has taken wonderful care of my grandmother with so much kindness, patience, and respect. They’re reliable, responsive, and truly go above and beyond to make sure she’s comfortable and cared for. It’s been such a relief knowing she’s in good hands. I’m so grateful for their compassion and professionalism and we couldn’t ask for better support.”
“Because of Sherry and her staff, I have a new found appreciation for the in home wellness industry. Prior to Always Best Care Senior Services, my mother was not enjoying her life as much as she could have. Once Sherry and her team came aboard, my mother's quality of life improved ten fold. I will never truly be able to express how deeply grateful I am for all your hard work. You have given my mother a new lease on life. I highly recommend Sherry to anyone in search of in home care for your loved one. Thank you.”
“Professional care with a personal touch. Some of the nicest people I have ever met during these trying times.”
“I cannot speak highly enough about the exceptional in-home care and professionalism provided by Always Best Care Senior Services. From the moment we reached out, their team demonstrated genuine compassion, attentiveness, and a deep understanding of the needs of my mother and her family.”
“Sherry has been absolutely wonderful! She is caring and understanding and very attentive to needs. She has great follow up and follow through and you can tell they take pride in what that do! I would highly recommend to anyone with the need for home health assistance for yourself or a loved one????”
“ABC provides reliable experienced caregivers for my elderly client for over two years now”
“Caring and trustworthy! Elizabeth and Allison always make sure my father’s shifts are covered. They are fantastic at always staying in communication and are so wonderful to work with. My father’s aides: Sharon, Lizette and Rose are incredibly kind, respectful, and caring. What they do matters and I feel so Blessed to have these Angels caring for my father. Over and beyond Stellar!!!????????????”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend them. I can not thank them enough for the care and support over the years!”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend them. I can not thank them enough for the care and support over the years!”
“Maria has been the best caregiver I had for in home care from Always Best Care in Tarpon Springs for over a year! She helps with the daily task, transportation and food preparation. All around wonderful service and well-trained caregiver. The difference is that she wants to help you, not just there to get paid. Maria is something special and a very good cook. I highly recommend Always Best Care for senior services. (Stephen Loyek)”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all fantastic. My step-mom’s final year and days and the quality of her life were certainly enhanced with the help of this awesome company. Everyone at the company, especially Lisa Crase was so helpful and compassionate. They were all here for us at a very difficult time. I would highly recommend this company if you need an easy and flexible care giver situation for a family member. I just really cannot thank ABC for everything they did for us. Nancy Chango, Tampa, FL”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all fantastic. My step-mom’s final year and days and the quality of her life were certainly enhanced with the help of this awesome company. Everyone at the company, especially Lisa Crase was so helpful and compassionate. They were all here for us at a very difficult time. I would highly recommend this company if you need an easy and flexible care giver situation for a family member. I just really cannot thank ABC for everything they did for us. Nancy Chango, Tampa, FL”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“Let me start off by saying that Always Best Care is the best home health company I’ve ever worked for ! The management treats you like family , they are very considerate and understanding & they make sure we are treating our clients like family as well ! They help make sure that we are providing our clients with the best care possible by choosing the best caregiver that fits each client. Also , There is flexible scheduling where you can pick what schedule fits you best. I love this company because they show me every day that I am appreciated it.”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver this is the best place. The owners are very hands on, and they service a wide area. I’ve been with the company for years, I’ve seen the work from staff and it’s amazing the way everyone comes together so that every client receives the best possible care.”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver this is the best place. The owners are very hands on, and they service a wide area. I’ve been with the company for years, I’ve seen the work from staff and it’s amazing the way everyone comes together so that every client receives the best possible care.”
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my mother with dementia. Her caregiver Linda is so dedicated to her job, and my mom and me love her to death. She is very communicative, and passionate about what she does. My mom could not live independently if i did not have always best care and linda by her side. Also whenever speaking with scheduling and office staff- they are always helpful and friendly too! Thanks guys! Yall do amazing work!”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them. The office staff is very warm and welcoming. The owners, Keith and Jeri are super nice and personable. They recognize their employees every month, they also have different events where we could get together and socialize. I've learned so much more, that wasn't taught at "school". Not a bad company to work for.”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to take care of my father were excellent and punctual. The office staff are great and have become great friends. I would recommend this company for the care of your family members.”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away today and unfortunately we live far away. Raina was in constant communication with us through the entire journey. She gave great comfort to our loved one and we could not have been blessed with a better person to be by Gram’s side. God Bless you and all that you do. ????????❤️ Highly recommend.”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and caregivers. They go above and beyond to help those in need. I have 20+ years in healthcare and I have never worked with such an AMAZING team!”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith, very understanding. Rebeca, Natalie and Lisa, Also in the office, all listen to our needs and concerns. They are very understanding to all the caregivers, I feel like a big family with our clients. Working for this company is like having a very big extended family and I love it and would not give it up. And yes I would definitely and highly recommend Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida. The extended family that I don’t have, but I do now. Thank you for letting me be a part of Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida.”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care from Always Best since May 2019. They are in their 90’s and still in their own home. This has been a year of challenges as my mother-in-law has dementia and my father-in-law’s health has gotten more tenuous. Keith has taken my dad to the hospital and urgent care, grocery shopped for them and scrambled to provide aides on short notice after hospitalization. We live out of state and I have had to depend on them so much. Jeri and Keith go above and beyond and I trust them implicitly! I can’t say enough good about them and I know that they will be successful because they are ethical, caring and operate their business with the highest degree of integrity. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been referred to them.”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers have been consistently good and provide excellent care for our father. Rebeca has been awesome to ensure our needs are satisfied and that we always have the round the clock coverage we need.”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my mom is in good hands. She enjoys their services and I highly recommend them!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Key Vista Nature Park in Holiday, FL with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Holiday House Restaurant or visit Stetson Mansion, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Holiday, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Holiday, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Holiday, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Columbus Day is here, although for some the day is celebrated as Indigenous People's Day.On Oct. 9, President Trump issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 13, 2025, as Columbus Day to commemorate "Christopher Columbus’ historic voyage" and urging residents to "observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities."While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, it's not a paid Florida holiday.School districts decide what days to close schools.? Columbus Day is next 2025 federal holiday. Are ...
Columbus Day is here, although for some the day is celebrated as Indigenous People's Day.
On Oct. 9, President Trump issued a proclamation declaring Oct. 13, 2025, as Columbus Day to commemorate "Christopher Columbus’ historic voyage" and urging residents to "observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities."
While Columbus Day is a federal holiday, it's not a paid Florida holiday.
School districts decide what days to close schools.
? Columbus Day is next 2025 federal holiday. Are banks, schools in Florida closed?
Schools will be closed in many, but not all, counties across Florida.
Here's a county-by-county list showing which schools are closed and which are open, although not all call the day "Columbus Day."
In 2025, there are 12 instead of the usual 11 federal holidays, although two — Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day — fell on the same day in January.
Here are the remaining 2025 federal holidays:
No, Columbus Day is not included in the list of paid holidays in Florida for state agencies. Remaining state paid holidays in Florida this year include:
Most, but not all, Florida schools will be closed on Monday, Oct. 13, but only one out of Florida's 67 counties actually designates the day off as being closed for Columbus Day.
For most others, it's designated as a teacher work day or inservice day. A few counties are closed the Friday before Columbus Day, on Oct. 10, and a few others are closed on other days during the week.
See what schools are closed on or around Columbus Day, Oct. 13:
Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.
See what schools are open on or around Columbus Day, Oct. 13:
Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.
See complete list of what schools are open or closed on or around Columbus Day, Oct. 13:
Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here's a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.
The decision is made by individual school districts.
Florida does not observe either Columbus Day or Indigenous People's Day. Some schools instead have more general "fall" holidays.
Columbus Day has been a U.S. holiday that since 1968, according to the Smithsonian.
The day commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World on Oct. 12, 1492, and has been celebrated across the U.S. with parades that highlight Italian-American heritage and pride.
Since 1971, the holiday has been celebrated on the second Monday in October.
Indigenous Peoples' Day was first proposed during a United Nations conference in 1977.
The name has continued to grow in popularity over the years as a celebration to counter the holiday for Christopher Columbus, which renamecolumbusday.org calls a "flawed and offensive holiday."
? What is Indigenous Peoples Day? Is it offensive to celebrate Columbus Day?
? ¿Columbus Day o Di?a de los Pueblos Indi?genas? Conoce su historia y diferencias
Approximately 30 states and Washington, D.C., do not celebrate Columbus Day, including Florida, which does not include Columbus Day on its list of state holidays.
As of last year, about 221 cities have renamed it or replaced it with Indigenous Peoples' Day, according to renamecolumbusday.org.
Some states recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day through a proclamation, while others treat it as an official holiday.
Following through on a promise made in April, when he posted on TruthSocial he would bring Columbus Day "back from the ashes," Trump on Oct. 9 proclaimed Oct. 13 as Columbus Day.
In his proclamation, Trump called Columbus "the original American hero, a giant of Western civilization, and one of the most gallant and visionary men to ever walk the face of the earth.
"Outrageously, in recent years, Christopher Columbus has been a prime target of a vicious and merciless campaign to erase our history, slander our heroes, and attack our heritage. Before our very eyes, left-wing radicals toppled his statues, vandalized his monuments, tarnished his character, and sought to exile him from our public spaces. Under my leadership, those days are finally over — and our Nation will now abide by a simple truth: Christopher Columbus was a true American hero, and every citizen is eternally indebted to his relentless determination," Trump's proclamation said.
"As we celebrate his legacy, we also acknowledge the contributions of the countless Italian-Americans who, like him, have endlessly contributed to our culture and our way of life. To this day, the United States and Italy share a special bond rooted in the timeless values of faith, family, and freedom."
President Joe Biden was the first U.S. president to issue a presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, in 2021.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday the first-ever Florida Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday, which will run from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31, along with several sportsman initiatives designed to save residents money during the tax holiday.The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday will suspend sales tax on the retail sale of items needed for fishing, camping or hunting in Florida.“We’re committed to helping Floridians keep more of their hard-earned money, and the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is one way to do that,...
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday the first-ever Florida Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday, which will run from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31, along with several sportsman initiatives designed to save residents money during the tax holiday.
The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday will suspend sales tax on the retail sale of items needed for fishing, camping or hunting in Florida.
“We’re committed to helping Floridians keep more of their hard-earned money, and the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is one way to do that,” said DeSantis in a press release. “Florida is a great state for outdoor adventure and exercising your Second Amendment rights, and we’re working to keep it that way.”
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Earlier this year, DeSantis signed the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, which included $2 billion in tax relief that included several targeted sales tax holidays and the permanent repeal of the Business Rent Tax.
“We appreciate Governor DeSantis’ steadfast commitment to these tax-saving measures that benefit all Floridians,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto in the press release. “I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy the outdoors.”
The tax holiday will allow Florida residents to save money on supplies needed to celebrate their Second Amendment rights and sportsman activities, such as camping or fishing, and includes the following items:
For more information and to view lists of qualifying items, visit: FloridaRevenue.com/HuntFishCamp.
DeSantis also announced that, in addition to several of our state’s shooting sports ranges being free year-round, we are also announcing that during this sales tax holiday, we will further commemorate our constitutional rights as we approach the 250th Anniversary of our Nation’s founding by providing half-priced range passes for various public ranges across the state. Those dates and locations will include:
It was also announced that, in honor of America250, Florida will be offering the usual $500 “five-year Gold sportsman license” for $250—cutting those costs in honor of the founding of the republic and our constitutional right to bear arms.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday the first-ever Florida Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday, which will run from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31, along with several sportsman initiatives designed to save residents money during the tax holiday.
The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday will suspend sales tax on the retail sale of items needed for fishing, camping or hunting in Florida.
“We’re committed to helping Floridians keep more of their hard-earned money, and the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is one way to do that,” said DeSantis in a press release. “Florida is a great state for outdoor adventure and exercising your Second Amendment rights, and we’re working to keep it that way.”
Mainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who make this vital work possible.
Earlier this year, DeSantis signed the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, which included $2 billion in tax relief that included several targeted sales tax holidays and the permanent repeal of the Business Rent Tax.
“We appreciate Governor DeSantis’ steadfast commitment to these tax-saving measures that benefit all Floridians,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto in the press release. “I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy the outdoors.”
The tax holiday will allow Florida residents to save money on supplies needed to celebrate their Second Amendment rights and sportsman activities, such as camping or fishing, and includes the following items:
For more information and to view lists of qualifying items, visit: FloridaRevenue.com/HuntFishCamp.
DeSantis also announced that, in addition to several of our state’s shooting sports ranges being free year-round, we are also announcing that during this sales tax holiday, we will further commemorate our constitutional rights as we approach the 250th Anniversary of our Nation’s founding by providing half-priced range passes for various public ranges across the state. Those dates and locations will include:
It was also announced that, in honor of America250, Florida will be offering the usual $500 “five-year Gold sportsman license” for $250—cutting those costs in honor of the founding of the republic and our constitutional right to bear arms.
Talon Tactical Outfitters, west of Tallahassee, has bulked up its inventory of hunting rifles and shotguns.Starting Monday, Sept. 8, and running through the end of the year, Florida will provide a sales-tax exemption on a variety of hunting equipment, the first time a state tax "holiday" includes guns and ammunition.JD Johnson, an owner of Talon, which also has a neighboring firing range, said several customers had already reached out to him about plans to make purchases after the discount period begins."I...
Talon Tactical Outfitters, west of Tallahassee, has bulked up its inventory of hunting rifles and shotguns.
Starting Monday, Sept. 8, and running through the end of the year, Florida will provide a sales-tax exemption on a variety of hunting equipment, the first time a state tax "holiday" includes guns and ammunition.
JD Johnson, an owner of Talon, which also has a neighboring firing range, said several customers had already reached out to him about plans to make purchases after the discount period begins.
"It's going to be a significant tax break. Guns are not cheap anymore," Johnson said. "If you buy a good gun, you're going to spend a decent amount of money."
The cost of a quality handgun starts around $400 and can easily exceed $1,000. Hunting rifles range from $500 to $2,500, with a scope adding $400 to $2,000. And then there are accessories and ammunition.
"Ammo is not cheap. The price has never really recovered or come down from the COVID years," Johnson said. "And the ammunition industry is very international, so we're dealing with some components of tariffs and things like … availability because of conflicts around the world."
Johnson said it's not uncommon for someone to buy $200 or $300 worth of ammunition just for time at the range.
The tax holiday starting Monday will also allow people to avoid paying sales taxes on camping and fishing equipment through the end of the year. It was part of a broad tax package (HB 7031) that lawmakers passed in June.
The state has long held tax holidays for such things as back-to-school supplies and hurricane-preparation supplies. The tax package, for example, included a back-to-school tax holiday that lasted throughout August.
Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a "Second Amendment Summer" tax holiday when he made budget recommendations before this spring's legislative session. The idea evolved to a holiday later in the year that also included camping and fishing equipment.
Johnson said that later in the year is a stronger selling season for hunting equipment in Florida.
State economists have projected the holiday will save shoppers $44.8 million this year, reducing state revenue by $34.6 million and local revenue by $10.2 million.
While proponents talk of encouraging more gun purchases, the holiday has drawn criticism from people such as Sen. Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton.
Polsky called it "irresponsible, coldly political and a slap in the face to the victims and their families" to offer a tax break that encourages more guns, regardless of type, along with attachments such as silencers.
"There is no requirement that these purchases actually be hunting-related," Polsky wrote recently.
She added the holiday does not cap the prices of firearms eligible for the tax exemption. The state, for example, capped the prices of clothes and personal computers that were covered in the back-to-school tax holiday.
Meanwhile, the League of Women Voters of Florida said the state should have included gun safes and locks in the discount period.
In addition to guns, ammunition and firearm accessories, other items exempt from sales taxes during the period will include bows and accessories; tents that cost $200 or less; sleeping bags and camping stoves that cost $50 or less; camping lanterns that cost $30 or less; fishing rods and reels that cost $75 or less; fishing tackle boxes that cost $30 or less; and bait and fishing tackle that costs $5 or less.
What we know:PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - Florida shoppers are getting another round of tax-free savings, this time on outdoor gear. Beginning Monday, the state’s new sales tax holiday applies to hunting, fishing, and camping supplies.But the biggest change: for the first time, firearms and ammunition are included — and unlike most items, they are not subject to a price cap. That means everything from ammo to high-end rifles will be exempt from sales tax through the end of the year.At Bill Jackson&r...
What we know:
PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - Florida shoppers are getting another round of tax-free savings, this time on outdoor gear. Beginning Monday, the state’s new sales tax holiday applies to hunting, fishing, and camping supplies.
But the biggest change: for the first time, firearms and ammunition are included — and unlike most items, they are not subject to a price cap. That means everything from ammo to high-end rifles will be exempt from sales tax through the end of the year.
At Bill Jackson’s Gun Shop in Pinellas Park, manager Mike Sfakianos said customers are already preparing, with layaway deposits piling up ahead of the holiday. "Anytime you could save a buck on something, especially these days, it’s a good time," Sfakianos said.
The backstory:
Gov. Ron DeSantis coined it the "Second Amendment Summer Tax Holiday." It’s part of a broader slate of Florida tax breaks that recently expanded to include hurricane supplies year-round.
Most outdoor items are capped: tents under $200 and fishing rods under $75, for example. But firearms and accessories come without. 2025 Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday
The other side:
Not everyone is on board. Critics argue that exempting expensive firearms while capping children’s clothing during the back-to-school tax holiday sends the wrong message. They also question whether shoppers are truly using the purchases for hunting.
What's next:
The holiday will run through the end of 2025, giving Floridians months to take advantage of the tax-free status on firearms, ammunition, and outdoor equipment.
The Source: This reporting is based on FOX 13 coverage, including interviews with local gun shop owners and details released by Florida state officials.
Florida's back-to-school sales-tax holiday ended over the Labor Day weekend, but there's another tax holiday coming soon.The Hunting, Fishing and Camping Sales-Tax Holiday starts Monday, Sept. 8, and runs through Dec. 31, according to the Florida Department of Revenue.It's the last special sales-tax holiday in Florida for the year, although there is a permanent sales-tax exemption on certain hurricane supplies.? See list of emergency hurricane supplies you can buy tax freeHere's what to know about Florida's Huntin...
Florida's back-to-school sales-tax holiday ended over the Labor Day weekend, but there's another tax holiday coming soon.
The Hunting, Fishing and Camping Sales-Tax Holiday starts Monday, Sept. 8, and runs through Dec. 31, according to the Florida Department of Revenue.
It's the last special sales-tax holiday in Florida for the year, although there is a permanent sales-tax exemption on certain hurricane supplies.
? See list of emergency hurricane supplies you can buy tax free
Here's what to know about Florida's Hunting, Fishing and Camping sales-tax holiday.
The next — and last — special sales-tax holiday in Florida for 2025 is the Hunting, Fishing and Camping sales-tax holiday.
The Florida sales-tax holiday on specific hunting, fishing and camping supplies will run from Monday, Sept. 8, through Wednesday, Dec. 31.
The 2025 Florida sales-tax holiday on hunting, camping and fishing supplies is broken down by category. Here's what you can buy tax free from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31.
The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items.
Qualifying hunting supplies to purchase tax free include:
Qualifying fishing supplies to purchase tax free include:
Qualifying camping supplies to purchase tax free include:
Yes. Eligible items are exempt when the order is accepted by the marketplace provider or remote seller during the sales tax holiday period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the sales tax holiday period.
The sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport, according to the Florida Department of Revenue.
Officials regularly encourage Florida residents to prepare for storms before a hurricane is approaching, while shelves are fully stocked and you aren't battling crowds all rushing to the store at the same time.
? Don't have a hurricane supply kit? From the basics to the extras, here's what you need
"It only takes one storm to make it an impactful year for your community," the National Hurricane Center Miami posted on X. "Hurricane season is a marathon, not a sprint."
? See list of emergency supplies you can now buy tax free
On Aug. 1, specific hurricane supplies became permanently tax-free in Florida, ranging from batteries to generators.
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