Federal Legal Holidays Definition

Federal legal holidays are days off declared by the U.S. federal government that applies to its employees. But, many employers base days off on federal legal holidays. Other holidays are left to the discretion of the individual state jurisdiction.

Federal Legal Holidays Extended Definition
The U.S. has not assigned specific days that all employees receive as mandatory holidays. Instead, the federal government recognizes a holiday schedule that is applicable to its employees.

Additionally, each state and local jurisdiction can declare its own holiday schedule. The U.S. federal government has declared 12 federal legal holidays, 11 occurring annually and one on a quadrennial basis.

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Last Updated By

Rachel Blakely-Gray | Apr 14, 2023