On Monday, October 12, Miami-Dade County will observe Columbus Day, a federal holiday, but this doesn't mean all county operations will come to a halt.
While Miami-Dade's administrative offices, public libraries, and the Pet Adoption and Protection Center will be closed, public transportation, garbage and recycling collection, and public schools will continue to operate.
The official holiday calendar for Miami-Dade marks October 12, 2026, as Columbus Day.
The county also acknowledges the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples' Day, honoring indigenous communities, including the historic presence of the Miccosukee in South Florida.
Miami-Dade Offices Close
Administrative offices in the county will not be open on Monday. Therefore, those needing to conduct in-person business should do so before the weekend or wait until Tuesday, October 13.
Online services that are available can still be accessed, though some processing may be delayed until the next business day.
Libraries Closed to the Public
The Miami-Dade Public Library System confirms that all its libraries will be closed on October 12. Branches will resume their regular schedule after the holiday.
Trash and Recycling Collection Unaffected
A common question during holidays is whether to put out trash bins. Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management will maintain its regular garbage and recycling pickup schedule.
The county's general calendar specifies collection continues on Columbus Day. Major holidays that do see collection suspended include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.
Therefore, those with scheduled collection on Monday should place their bins out as usual.
Public Transit Runs as Usual
Miami-Dade Transit won't modify its schedule for Columbus Day. Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus will operate their normal weekday service, as indicated by the county.
Special Sunday schedules are used on certain holidays like New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but not on Columbus Day.
Schools Remain Open
Families with children in public schools need to be aware that the school calendar doesn't align with the county offices'.
The official 2026-2027 Miami-Dade County Public Schools calendar does not designate October 12 as a holiday, teacher planning day, or student holiday.
This means public elementary and secondary schools will hold classes as usual that Monday.
The first grading period ends on Friday, October 16, and the second starts on Monday, October 19, but these changes do not affect school closures on the 12th.
Federal Mail Services on Pause
The United States Postal Service (USPS) includes October 12 in its official holiday calendar for 2026.
Thus, those needing to visit a post office or expecting regular mail should account for the holiday and plan their activities for the following business day.
Federal Offices Shuttered
Columbus Day is among the official federal holidays in the United States.
The federal Office of Personnel Management recognizes October 12, 2026, as a holiday for most federal employees. This affects numerous federal administrative offices and other government services that typically operate from Monday to Friday.
Bank Operations May Vary
The Federal Reserve also includes Columbus Day in its list of official holidays for 2026.
On these days, systems like Fedwire and ACH do not process operations as usual, affecting many banking operations. Some branches may remain closed, though hours depend on the institution, with some keeping certain locations open.
Online banking may remain accessible, but some transactions might not process until Tuesday, October 13.
County Golf Courses Stay Open
Miami-Dade has announced that its golf courses will remain open during the holiday. Visitors should verify specific hours and course availability before heading out.
Pet Adoption Center to Be Closed
The Miami-Dade Pet Adoption and Protection Center is among the facilities that will close on Monday, October 12.
Those planning to adopt a pet or handle other in-person tasks should check the post-holiday schedule beforehand.
The holiday arrangements mirror those of previous years. A guide was published in 2025 by CiberCuba detailing open and closed services during Columbus Day in the U.S., highlighting that Miami-Dade kept its public schools open while various governmental offices were closed.
The main advice for this year remains to verify each service before heading out: A federal holiday like Columbus Day doesn't automatically mean closures for schools, transportation, trash collection, stores, or private businesses.
Understanding Columbus Day Closures in Miami-Dade
What services will be closed in Miami-Dade on Columbus Day?
Miami-Dade's administrative offices, public libraries, and the Pet Adoption and Protection Center will be closed on Columbus Day.
Will public transportation be affected in Miami-Dade on Columbus Day?
No, public transportation services, including Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus, will operate on their normal weekday schedule.
Are schools in Miami-Dade open on Columbus Day?
Yes, public schools in Miami-Dade will hold classes as usual on Columbus Day.
Will mail services be available on Columbus Day?
No, the United States Postal Service will not operate on Columbus Day as it is a federal holiday.