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  • Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., is a federal holiday observed on June 19.
  • While federally recognized, only about half of U.S. states officially observe Juneteenth as a state holiday.
  • Essential services such as grocery stores, delivery services (UPS and FedEx), and the Florida DMV will remain open on Juneteenth.

June 19, also known as Juneteenth, marks the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans at the end of the Civil War.

Juneteenth was designated a federal holiday in 2021. However, only about half of the states recognize Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day or the Second Independence Day, as an official holiday.

Florida does not, which means it is up to local governments and businesses to decide if they will be closed for the day or operate as normal.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth marks the day, June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved Black people in the United States were finally told — 2½ years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after the Civil War ended — that they were free.

The first Juneteenth celebration was held in Galveston the very next year, in 1866. Early celebrations were smaller, subdued affairs amid renewed calls for racial segregation and the rise of racial violence, lynchings and Jim Crow laws in the state and across the South.

It wasn’t until the civil rights protests of the 1960s and 70s many decades later when Juneteenth was finally celebrated in a big way as an act of defiance and pride, and it gained new prominence in 2020 after the police murder of George Floyd, a Black man, sparked protests across the country against police brutality, according to USA TODAY.

Are government offices open in Brevard County on Juneteenth?

County government offices and services are open on Juneteenth.

Are grocery stores open in Brevard on Juneteenth?

Yes. All the major grocery stores, like Publix, Walmart, Target, Winn Dixie, Sprouts and Fresh Market are open.

It is a good idea to call stores directly to confirm they are open.

What is closed on Juneteenth 2025? Is there mail delivery?

Because Juneteenth is a federal holiday all non-essential federal offices are closed. Postal service retail locations also are closed and there will be no regular mail delivery.

Does UPS/FedEx deliver on Juneteenth?

UPS Store locations will be open on June 19, according to the company’s holiday schedule, and UPS pickup and delivery services will be available.

All FedEx offices will be open on June 19 and all services will be available, the company website says.

Are banks open in Brevard on Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, according to Bankrate.com. The Federal Reserve is the organization that regulates the nation’s banking system.

Banks aren’t required to close for Federal Reserve holidays, but they generally do. Check with your local bank or credit union to check their hours.

Online banking services and ATMs will still be available, but any transactions made during on June 19 won’t be posted until the next business day.

Is the stock market open or closed on Juneteenth?

The New York Stock Exchange is closed on federal holidays and will be closed on Juneteenth, according to its website.

Is the DMV open on Juneteenth?

Yes. All Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles locations will be open, according to the holiday schedule.

Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.