On Sunday, November 1, millions of residents in Florida will need to set their clocks back by one hour as Daylight Saving Time officially concludes in the United States, according to Telemundo 51. This adjustment will occur at 2:00 a.m., with clocks moving back to 1:00 a.m.
This time change is governed by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which establishes the end of Daylight Saving Time each year on the first Sunday of November. The period that is now ending began on March 8 and lasted for eight months.
Unlike the spring adjustment, when an hour of sleep is lost, Floridians will gain an extra hour this Sunday: clocks will jump from 1:59 a.m. directly to 1:00 a.m.
Smartphones will automatically make the change. For other devices, most people choose to adjust their clocks when they wake up, eliminating the need to do so at two in the morning.
Impact on Florida Cities and Time Zones
This change affects Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Naples, all within the Eastern Time Zone, shifting from UTC−4 to UTC−5. The state's northwest, including Pensacola, operates on Central Time and will also adjust their clocks.
For the Cuban community in Miami, this adjustment has a direct impact: Cuba and Florida will have a one-hour time difference for the coming months because the island has decided not to set their clocks back this Sunday.
The Cuban Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security announced on October 24 that Cuba would maintain Daylight Saving Time (UTC−4) until November 2027, aiming to reduce electricity demand by 126 MW during peak hours: 76 MW from reduced artificial lighting and 50 MW from increased use of photovoltaic solar generation.
This measure reflects the severity of Cuba's energy crisis, with the electrical system reporting an expected availability of just 915 MW against a demand of 2,850 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,865 MW.
Time Difference and Its Implications
This time difference between Cuba and Miami will persist until March 14, 2027, when the United States reverts to Daylight Saving Time. During this period, when it's 8:00 p.m. in Miami, it will be 9:00 p.m. in Havana.
Individuals making phone calls, sending money, or coordinating travel between the two locations should be aware of the time discrepancy. Remittance and recharge platforms that set deadlines based on Miami time will close, for users in Cuba, one hour earlier than the Cuban clock indicates.
Political Debate Over Time Changes in Florida
Regarding the political debate over time changes in Florida, the state approved the Sunshine Protection Act in 2018 to permanently remain on Daylight Saving Time, but the measure requires federal approval. The House of Representatives passed the equivalent bill on July 14, 2026, with a vote of 308 to 117, although the Senate's version remains stalled in committee without a scheduled plenary vote.
Until Congress acts, Florida will continue to change clocks twice a year. The next switch to Daylight Saving Time in the United States is scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2027.
FAQs on Florida's Time Change
Why does Florida change its clocks twice a year?
Florida adjusts its clocks twice yearly due to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which mandates the end of Daylight Saving Time on the first Sunday of November and its start on the second Sunday of March.
How will the time change affect the Cuban community in Miami?
For the Cuban community in Miami, the time change means a one-hour difference with Cuba, as the island will not be setting back its clocks, affecting calls, remittances, and travel coordination.
What is the Sunshine Protection Act?
The Sunshine Protection Act is a legislative effort in Florida to make Daylight Saving Time permanent year-round, which requires federal approval to become effective.