Welcome to Florida’s most popular summer tradition: the tax-free shopping frenzy.
Florida is warming up the heat this August—not just temperatures but savings! Starting Friday, August 1, through August 31, Florida will launch its month-long back-to-school sales tax “holiday.” That is 31 great days you can stock up on school supplies without losing a penny in state sales tax on designated items.
This isn’t a fly-by three-day weekend flash sale—it’s a serious August tradition now. Florida lawmakers have made the tax holiday an annual August staple, and shoppers, especially families, couldn’t be happier.
So, unfurl the shopping carts (and maybe grab a cold drink), because here’s everything you need to know about what’s tax-free and fabulous in the Sunshine State this August.
What makes this tax holiday significant? Why everyone’s talking about it
Retailers love it. Families are ready for it. And Florida lawmakers just made it permanent. Whether you’re sending your kids off to kindergarten or moving a college student into a dorm, back-to-school shopping can take a toll on your wallet.
But thanks to this tax holiday, consumers will save approximately $217 million this year. Each dollar counts, especially when inflation continues to strain budgets.
The Florida Retail Federation estimates the average K-12 family is expected to spend $858 during this year’s back-to-school season. What does this mean for college students? The savings amount to a staggering $1,326. Electronics, clothing, and school supplies make up most of the spending.
Therefore, exempting oneself from sales tax might mean being able to afford to purchase that extra pair of sneakers or that cooler-looking lunchbox.
Read this later:
Here’s what you can buy tax-free this August
Florida has four categories of tax-free items. If what you sell is under the threshold, you’re good to go—no tax, no problem.
1. Learning Aids—$30 or less
Just what toddlers, preschoolers, or even adults need to brush up on their trivia. Tax-free items are:
- Interactive books
- Educational puzzles
- Flashcards
Consider these brain boosters you don’t have to pay extra for.
2. School supplies—$50 or less
This is the meat and potatoes of back-to-school shopping. Stock up without sweating the price tag on:
- Binders
- Notebooks
- Pens and pencils
- Lunchboxes
- Crayons, markers, glue, and scissors
Everything that ends up lost under the couch by October.
3. Clothing, footwear, and accessories—$100 or less
From head to toe, you’re covered—tax-free:
- Shirts, pants, skirts, and sweaters
- Shoes and sandals
- Backpacks and bags
The only catch? The individual item must be priced at $100 or less. So, sorry luxury lovers, those $300 boots still come with tax.
4. Personal computers & accessories—$1,500 or less
This is a home run for students, especially college-bound geeks. You can avoid paying sales tax on:
- Laptops and desktops
- Printers
- External hard drives and flash drives
- Keyboards, mice, and headphones
If you’re upgrading for Zoom classes or Fortnite (no judgement here), it’s a good time to splurge on tech.
Retailers are all in—expect promotions, discounts, and crowds
This tax holiday is “always a very popular holiday for retailers,” according to Lorela Holley, the vice president of the Florida Retail Federation. The stores like to present additional bargains in addition to the tax cut as an incentive to bring customers in.
So don’t be surprised if the local store resembles a Black Friday preview. Picture lines, small quantities, and a bit of mayhem in electronics.
The positive aspect is that merchants no longer have to wait for the Legislature’s approval every year, giving them a sense of certainty. That means better planning, better bargains, and more streamlined operation.
Critics aren’t buying the hype
As consumers rejoice, not all are cheerful.
The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy called tax holidays a “gimmick” of limited use to pay cheque-to-pay cheque families. More affluent consumers—who can anticipate ahead and stock up—are the ones who gain the increased benefit, they argue.
Even the Tax Foundation found that those events do not spur new purchases but simply delay the timing of buying things individuals would have bought anyway. “It’s a symptom of more fundamental problems with state tax codes,” said senior policy analyst Katherine Loughead.
However, a one-month break from sales tax is a welcome victory for many Florida families.
Lawmakers struggle, but tax holiday survives budget war
This year’s back-to-school tax holiday was part of an overall package (HB 7031) that was approved after some political back-and-forth between the Florida Senate and House.
House Speaker Daniel Perez was unconvinced. House Speaker Daniel Perez advocated for more sustainable budget reforms instead of non-recurring sales tax holidays, stating, “We spend every new dime of recurring revenue while praising ourselves for providing easy-to-fund non-recurring sales tax holidays.”
But Senate President Ben Albritton was adamant. He said these popular holidays should be made permanent for everyone in August.
At last, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the package into law on June 30, locking in the savings and giving the people what they want—less tax, more stuff.
But wait… there’s more! Bonus tax-free items starting Friday
Aside from back-to-school, the new tax package also permanently eliminates sales tax from a list of other items useful throughout the year, especially in Florida climates. They are:
- Batteries
- Gas cans
- Tarps
- Generators
- Life jackets
- Bike helmets
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
These used to be only hurricane- or recreation-related holiday tax-free items. Now you can purchase them at any time and still smile at your wallet.
Mark your calendar: Even more savings to come
Still hungry for bargains? Florida’s not done.
Another sales tax holiday will be held from September 8 through December 31, this one on firearms, ammunition, and outdoor equipment like fishing rods, tents, and camping gear.
So if back-to-school time won’t empty your wallet, then the following are a few more things to anticipate this fall.
Don’t miss your opportunity to save
Tax holiday or not, one thing is clear: Floridians have the opportunity to save significantly in August. Whether it’s crayons, computers, or something in between, now is an excellent time to prepare for the new school year.
Just don’t forget to cross those price tags (whatever you buy must be below the limit), plan, and wait patiently—everyone’s trying to save.
So what are you waiting for? Happy shopping, Florida—and don’t forget the flashcards!
