From Staff Reports
In Summary:
Florida shoppers can once again prepare for the school year without paying sales tax on many essential items. The annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday includes qualifying clothing, school supplies, backpacks, learning aids and personal computers purchased within specified price limits. The tax-free period runs from July 20 through August 20, giving families several weeks to complete their back-to-school shopping.
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Florida families preparing for the new school year will have an extra month to save as the state's annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday began this week and continues through Thursday, August 20.
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Approved by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the tax holiday allows consumers to purchase a wide range of qualifying back-to-school items without paying Florida sales tax.
Among the largest savings are personal computers and related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use. Computers, laptops, tablets, desktop computers and electronic book readers priced at $1,500 or less qualify for the exemption, along with computer accessories such as keyboards, monitors, routers, mice and nonrecreational software.
The tax holiday also covers backpacks, handbags, diaper bags and fanny packs priced at $100 or less. Briefcases, suitcases and garment bags are not included.
Students and parents can also save on school supplies costing $50 or less per item. Qualifying products include notebooks, binders, folders, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, glue, rulers, scissors, lunch boxes, poster board, composition books and staplers.
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles priced at $30 or less are also tax exempt. Eligible items include flashcards, interactive educational books and toys, matching games, puzzle books and stacking blocks.
In addition, clothing, footwear and accessories priced at $100 or less per item qualify for the sales tax exemption. Eligible purchases include shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, shorts, shoes, sandals, boots, belts, hats, gloves and scarves.
The tax holiday applies only to qualifying purchases that meet the established price limits. It does not apply to rentals or repairs of eligible items, nor does it apply to purchases made at theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments or airports.
Additional information, including a complete list of qualifying items and frequently asked questions, is available through the Florida Department of Revenue.
The Department of Revenue created a webpage to provide information and promotional materials for consumers, businesses, and other interested parties.
Watch this short video for a summary of the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday.
Key Points:
- Florida's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs from July 20 through Aug. 20.
- Qualifying personal computers and related accessories priced at $1,500 or less are exempt from sales tax.
- School supplies costing $50 or less, clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less, and learning aids priced at $30 or less qualify.
- Backpacks, handbags, diaper bags, and fanny packs priced at $100 or less are also tax exempt.
- The exemption does not apply to rentals, repairs, or purchases made at airports, theme parks, entertainment complexes or public lodging establishments.
