Florida Independence Day 2020

The Fourth of July or Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence (from the colonial rule of Great Britain) on July 4, 1776.

Many Americans will fly the American flag outside their homes to commemorate Independence Day and traditionally it is one of the busiest times of year at the theme parks; many of them have extended opening hours.

Normally no matter where you are in Florida, you will find local Independence Day celebrations both by day and at night but because of the COVID-19 pandemic many of those events have been cancelled in 2020

Main Theme Parks

Most of the main central Florida theme parks celebrate July 4th with special shows usually including fireworks. The main exception is Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In 2020 Disney with the exception of Disney Springs, is closed until after July 4th and there are no celebrations this year.

Usually at the Magic Kingdom, the “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” is performed on both July 3 and 4 above Cinderella Castle. It is one of the best fireworks displays you will ever see.

Epcot has their “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” laser and fireworks display.

At Universal Studios, the “Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories™” is normally performed every night and though Universal Studios is now open, the evening event is still suspended.

In 2020 SeaWorld are offering a fireworks display over three nights, July 3rd to 5th with suitable social distancing. The new show featuring music and pyrotechnics is called “Light Up The Sky” and is followed by their patriotic fireworks finale. Date specific ticket reservations are required.

The best viewing locations across the lake are from The Waterfront, Spice Mill Patio, Orca Encounter Pathway, Bayside Pathway and the Bayside Stadium.

In previous years, Busch Gardens has hosted “Summer Nights” and have an extended fireworks display plus live music but this year there is no special celebration.

For 2020 Legoland Florida are going ahead with a special “Red, White & BOOM!” fireworks display on July 4th. Special 3D glasses turn the fireworks into Lego bricks.

Around the regions many celebrations have been cancelled so you should check with local authorities before making a special visit. In previous years, these July 4th events have taken place

North Florida

Celebrations take place both on the North East coast and the Panhandle:

• St. Augustine
• Jacksonville
• Mexico Beach
• Destin
• Chattahoochee
• Port St. Joe
• Weeki Wachee Springs

Central Florida

Throughout the whole of Central Florida you will find 4th of July celebrations including:

• St. Cloud
• A special Independence Day Carillon Concert at Bok Tower
• Downtown Mount Dora
• Kissimmee
• Winter Park
• Silver Springs
• Tampa by the Florida Aquarium
• Clearwater
• St. Petersburg
• Sanibel Island
• Daytona Beach
• Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

South Florida

There are typically lots of celebrations in the Miami area including:

• Delray Beach
• South Miami
• Miami Beach
• Bayfront Park
• Key Biscayne
• Blackwater Sound in the Keys
• Islamorada
• Key West at White Street Pier