Year-long Daylight Saving Time would have some side effects

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - As Floridians watch closely to see if the state will adopt year-round Daylight Saving Time many are embracing the positives like longer days at the beach and attractions.  

However, there would be some other effects of the change.  Some have expressed concern about school start times if Daylight Saving Time is in place all year. Students may be forced to head to school while it’s still dark out, unless school times are shifted.

It’s not just students though.  Florida would be the only East Coast state on the timeline throughout the winter fall and winter months. So what would that look like?

Well, if everything else stays as is, it could mean celebrating the New Year an hour before the ball drops in Times Square. The normal 8 p.m. prime time TV schedule also likely wouldn’t start until 9 p.m. for Floridians, meaning much later nights if you plan to catch your favorite shows.

The move could also further complicate travel times for people coming in and out of the state or work times for people working remotely with out of state companies.

Congressman Darren Soto, who helped spur the idea for year-round DST when he was a Florida state legislator several years ago, said there will likely be some adjustments, but he feels the benefits would out weigh those.

"We constantly have different time zones and time changes as we're a nation that is in multiple time zones so I don't think this will be a major difference,” said Rep. Soto. "For both our quality of life and our tourism."

The Florida House and Senate have both passed the bill. It’s now on Governor Rick Scott’s desk who has the option to sign it into law or veto it.

The measure would also require an act of congress for it to take effect. Soto said both he and Senator Marco Rubio have expressed their support, and he said he plans to fight for the measure if it makes it to that point.