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Proposal to nix twice-yearly time change in Florida gains traction

Posted at 6:37 PM, Jan 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-26 18:37:39-05

The idea of falling back and spring forward could get lost in time - if a new daylight saving bill for Florida makes it to Governor Rick Scott's desk. A proposal for Florida to observe Daylight Saving year-round is getting some traction in Tallahassee. But Scott said Friday that he hasn't seen the bill yet.

"Of course if it makes it to my desk, I'll review it," he said.

Supporters of the bill argue it would allow stores serving tourists to do more business, and schools to save money in lighting for sports fields. The proposed "Sunshine Protection Act" would exempt Florida from the twice-yearly time change, and has already been approved by the Senate Community Affairs Committee. 

But are we too used to changing our clocks every spring and fall? 

"I think they should maintain daylight savings time across the country," said Jim Massett, who opposes the bill.

But some people have a harder time adjusting to the time change every six months.

"Just making the change sort of gets your rhythm off," said Peggy Robertson. "I think I would be happier if the time was just sort of consistent throughout the year."

The Sunshine Protection Act would also put the whole state of Florida in the Eastern time zone. Currently, much of the panhandle is in the Central time zone.

"I haven't had the opportunity to talk to anyone in the panhandle (about the proposal)," said Governor Scott. "No one in the past has brought that up as an issue."

Florida isn't the only state considering the matter. A state commission in Massachusetts voted in favor of opting out of Daylight Saving Time last year, but it hasn't taken effect. Some lawmakers in Maine are also interested in the idea.