Most of Florida operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) during winter months, which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). During daylight saving time, observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, Florida switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is UTC-4.
The majority of Florida follows Eastern Time, including Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and St. Petersburg. However, the western panhandle including Pensacola observes Central Time (UTC-6/UTC-5). Most of Florida's population and business centers are in the Eastern Time Zone.
Florida's position in the Eastern Time Zone makes it ideal for Latin American business. When it's 9 AM in Miami, it's the same time in New York, 8 AM in Mexico City, and 10 AM in São Paulo, facilitating regional trade.