You Won’t Believe Which States Are Ditching Daylight Savings Forever - gate.institute

Understanding the Context

Which States Are Officially Phasing Out Daylight Saving Time?

As of 2024 and early 2025, several U.S. states have taken decisive steps toward abandoning Daylight Saving Time. The movement has gained backward momentum, with political momentum shifting in favor of permanent standard time — or even permanent DST, depending on the state.

1. California: A Major Turning Point

Key Insights

In a landmark decision in 2023, California’s legislature passed a bill to abolish Daylight Saving Time — and under the right federal conditions — moving to permanent standard time. If enacted with federal approval, California would join Arizona and Hawaii, who have already opted out of DST. This would be a seismic shift, covering nearly 40 million people and affecting industries from tech to agriculture.

2. New York: Going Permanent Standard Time?

New York lawmakers are intensifying efforts to make permanent the decision to stop springing forward. Although state legislation is still pending, the push is strongest following resident petitions and growing public fatigue over the biannual time change. New York’s decisions could reshape energy policies, commuting habits, and even retail hours across the Northeast.

3. Florida: Leading the Charge in the Sunshine State

Florida has long advocated for year-round DST, arguing it benefits the aging population and outdoor economy. But now, comprehensive revisions to state law propose abandoning time changes entirely — possibly to permanent standard time or even permanent DST, depending on legislative vision. This reflects Florida’s belief that aligning with adjacent states and promoting safety via consistent sun exposure is crucial.

Final Thoughts

4. Other States on the Track

Connecticut, New Jersey, Oregon, and Virginia are also recognizing the drawbacks of DST and exploring permanent exemptions. Some are even considering permanent DST in specific sectors — like energy and transportation — to harmonize with economic partners across time zones.

Why Are States Abandoning Daylight Saving Time?

The shift away from DST isn’t arbitrary — multiple key concerns are driving the change:

• Health and Circadian Rhythm Effects: Studies link DST transitions to increased heart attacks, sleep disruption, and seasonal depression due to abrupt clock changes. Ending DST aligns daily light patterns more closely with natural sunrise and sunset times year-round.