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FLORIDA - A new proposal in the Florida Legislature is drawing attention after a lawmaker introduced a bill that would adjust clocks by a half hour instead of the traditional one hour shift tied to daylight saving time.
The measure aims to explore a compromise between standard time and daylight saving time as debates continue nationwide about ending the twice yearly clock changes.
The legislation, sometimes referred to as the Daylight Act, would move Florida’s time forward by thirty minutes and eliminate seasonal clock adjustments if federal approval is granted.
Supporters argue the half hour change could provide more evening daylight while avoiding some of the concerns tied to darker winter mornings that critics associate with permanent daylight saving time.
Under current federal law, states cannot independently adopt permanent daylight saving time without congressional authorization, meaning any change would require federal action before taking effect.
Lawmakers behind the proposal say many residents are frustrated with changing clocks twice a year and want a consistent time system.
Florida previously passed legislation seeking year round daylight saving time, but the plan remains inactive because federal law still governs national time standards.
The half hour proposal is different from past efforts because it suggests shifting the state’s time zone slightly rather than locking in a full one hour change.
Time policy experts note that similar adjustments have been used in other parts of the world, though the idea remains uncommon in the United States.
The bill must still move through the legislative process and would require congressional approval before any change could happen.