National Donut Day 2025: A Guide to Free Doughnuts and Deals in Florida

National Donut Day is observed annually on the first Friday of June. In 2025, this holiday falls on June 6. Established in 1938 by The Salvation Army, the day honors the "Donut Lassies" who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. Unlike many promotional holidays, this observance carries historical significance, serving as a tribute to the volunteers who provided a taste of home to troops at the front lines.

While the holiday has roots in charitable work, it has also become a major promotional event for doughnut retailers across the United States. Numerous national and regional chains offer free doughnuts or discounted items to consumers. Based on information derived from local news reports and deal aggregators covering Florida in 2025, the following guide details where consumers can find free doughnuts and special pricing, the eligibility requirements associated with these offers, and the history behind the holiday.

The History and Significance of National Donut Day

National Donut Day is not merely a marketing invention; it is a commemoration of service and morale-boosting efforts during wartime. The holiday was created by The Salvation Army in Chicago in 1938 to honor the Donut Lassies. These women were sent to the front lines in France in 1917 to set up field bases near the fighting. Their mission was to boost morale among the troops, and they accomplished this by preparing home-cooked meals, specifically doughnuts.

The doughnuts were often cooked inside soldiers' helmets, a makeshift method that led to the soldiers being nicknamed "doughboys." The Salvation Army continues to use National Donut Day to recognize the organization's volunteers and to distribute doughnuts to veterans in cities across the U.S. According to a press release from the national commander, the day serves as a reminder of the "lasting impact of a unique piece of history."

It is important for consumers to distinguish between the two national doughnut observances. National Donut Day is celebrated on the first Friday in June, while National Doughnut Day is observed on November 5. Additionally, June is often referred to as National Doughnut Month, extending the period of promotional activity.

National Chains Offering Free Doughnuts in Florida

Several major national chains participate in National Donut Day with standardized offers available at locations throughout Florida. These offers generally fall into two categories: free items with no purchase necessary, and free items with a qualifying purchase.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts) is a primary participant in the holiday. According to reports covering Southwest Florida and Northeast Florida, Dunkin’ is offering a free classic donut with any beverage purchase. * Eligibility: A beverage purchase is required to receive the free doughnut. * Merchandise: In 2025, Dunkin’ launched a limited-edition accessories collection in collaboration with Stoney Clover Lane. Some customers taking advantage of the doughnut deal may receive a mini donut bag associated with this partnership. * Locations: Dunkin’ has numerous locations throughout Florida, including specific stores in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is known for its generous National Donut Day offers. The chain offers a free doughnut of the customer's choice. * Eligibility: No purchase is required to receive a free doughnut at participating shops. * Additional Promotions: Krispy Kreme also announced a "14 Days of Original Glazed" deal for Rewards members, offering a dozen original glazed doughnuts for $9.99. * Availability: This offer is valid at participating Krispy Kreme shops across Florida.

Duck Donuts

Duck Donuts, a chain specializing in made-to-order donuts, offers a specific flavor-based freebie. * Eligibility: Customers can get a free cinnamon sugar donut with no purchase necessary. * Pricing Specials: A half-dozen cinnamon sugar donuts is available for $6, which is half the usual price. * Locations: Specific locations mentioned in the source data include Naples and Jacksonville.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven offers a discounted doughnut through its loyalty programs. * Eligibility: 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members can purchase a classic glazed doughnut for 50 cents. * Extended Offer: For those who miss the deal on June 6, 7-Eleven is offering glazed doughnuts for $1 until June 24. * Locations: Participating 7-Eleven stores in Florida.

Regional and Local Florida Offers

In addition to national chains, several regional bakeries and local shops in Florida offer unique deals. These vary by location and specific terms.

Shipley Do-Nuts

A Texas-based chain with a location in Jacksonville (the second in Florida), Shipley Do-Nuts offers a free glazed donut. * Eligibility: The free glazed donut is available alongside any purchase. * Product Variety: The chain is known for approximately 60 varieties of donuts and kolaches.

Parlor Doughnuts

With five locations in Northeast Florida, Parlor Doughnuts is known for its flaky, layered donuts. * Offer: The "layered carnival donut" (topped with sprinkles and glaze) is available for a discounted $1 with any purchase. * Bulk Deal: A dozen assorted donuts has a $5 discount.

Cinotti's Bakery

Located in Jacksonville Beach, Cinotti's is a local bakery participating in the holiday. * Details: While the specific offer is not detailed in the source text, the bakery is listed as a participating location for National Donut Day deals.

Bunny’s

Bunny’s is offering one free donut with any purchase. Specific location details were not provided in the source text, but it is listed among Jacksonville-area options.

DG Doughnuts

DG Doughnuts is offering a large inventory of extra donuts for purchase. * Specialty Flavors: The shop features weekly specialty flavors. On National Donut Day, they are offering a "Butterfinger Blast" flavor specifically for the day.

The Glass Knife

The Glass Knife is offering a donut box for purchase containing six assorted donuts, including a flavor available only for the holiday: Birthday Cake.

Donut King

Donut King offers a straightforward promotion: with any purchase, customers receive a free donut for National Donut Day.

Fuelpresso and Donut Central

This location offers a free glazed donut with any coffee purchase.

Understanding the Terms: Purchase Requirements and Restrictions

When seeking free doughnuts on National Donut Day, consumers must pay close attention to the specific terms and conditions attached to each offer. The source data highlights a distinct split in offer structures:

No Purchase Necessary: Offers from Krispy Kreme and Duck Donuts allow customers to walk in and receive a free item without buying anything else. These are the most direct "freebies."
Purchase Required: Offers from Dunkin’, Shipley Do-Nuts, Parlor Doughnuts, Donut King, and Fuelpresso and Donut Central require the customer to make a qualifying purchase. This is usually a beverage (Dunkin’, Fuelpresso) or "any purchase" (Shipley, Donut King).
Loyalty Program Requirement: 7-Eleven’s 50-cent offer is restricted to members of their 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards programs.

Additionally, many offers are subject to supply limitations ("while supplies last"). Consumers are advised to visit participating locations early in the day to ensure availability.

Geographic Coverage in Florida

The source data provides specific details regarding deals in several regions of Florida:

Southwest Florida (SWFL): Deals are concentrated in Naples and Fort Myers. Dunkin’ has 15 listed locations in Naples and two in Fort Myers. Duck Donuts has a location in Naples, and 7-Eleven has two listed Naples locations.
Northeast Florida (Jacksonville area): Deals are available at Shipley Do-Nuts, Parlor Doughnuts (Jacksonville Beach, Fleming Island, Fruit Cove, World Golf Village, St. Augustine Beach), Duck Donuts (Old St. Augustine Road), Cinotti's Bakery (Jacksonville Beach), Bunny’s, Donut King, and Fuelpresso and Donut Central.
Central Florida: While specific addresses are not detailed in the provided chunks, the holiday is observed statewide, and consumers in Central Florida should check local listings for participating national and local chains.

Conclusion

National Donut Day 2025 offers Florida residents numerous opportunities to enjoy free or discounted doughnuts. The holiday serves as both a celebration of the sweet treat and a historical commemoration of The Salvation Army's Donut Lassies. Consumers can choose from offers at major national chains such as Krispy Kreme (free doughnut, no purchase required), Dunkin’ (free doughnut with beverage purchase), and Duck Donuts (free cinnamon sugar doughnut, no purchase required), as well as regional favorites like Shipley Do-Nuts and Parlor Doughnuts.

To maximize the value of these deals, consumers should verify the specific eligibility requirements—such as the need for a beverage purchase or loyalty membership—and check the availability of specific locations in their region, particularly in Southwest and Northeast Florida where specific store lists are available.