Floridians have the opportunity to take advantage of Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday on a wide range of retail items until January 14, as part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ $2.7 billion tax relief plan implemented for the fiscal year 2023–2024.
As outlined in Florida’s Tax Information Publication (TIP), the back-to-school sales tax holiday covers various items such as:
- Apparel
- Footwear and a selection of accessories priced at $100 or less per item
- Particular educational materials sold for $50 or less each
- Certain educational aids and puzzles priced at $30 or less
- Personal computers and certain computer accessories with a price tag of $1,500 or less intended for non-commercial home or personal use.
The category of clothing encompasses garments and shoes priced at $100 or less, including clothing, wallets, bags, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, and diaper bags.
Starting from July 2023, products for babies and toddlers, including strollers, changing tables, safety gates, play yards, and shoes for children aged five and under, are permanently exempt from sales tax.
There is no sales tax applicable to the purchase of school supplies priced at $50 or less per item. However, it is important to note that this exemption does not cover school supplies bought in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or at an airport.
Devices such as electronic book readers, laptops, desktops, handheld devices, tablets, and tower computers are eligible for sales tax exemption. Additionally, personal computer-related accessories like keyboards, mouse devices, personal digital assistants, monitors, and peripheral devices, including modems, routers, and nonrecreational software, are included in the list provided by TIP.
For the complete list of items qualifying for the sales tax exemption, please refer to the link provided.
The Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption
The Home Hardening Sales Tax Exemption, which commenced in July 2022 and extends until the end of June 2024, includes impact-resistant doors, windows, and garage doors with no specified limit or qualifying costs.
Gas stoves are also covered under the sales tax holiday until June 2024. It is important to remember that this exemption does not apply to rental or repair items. Gas ranges and cooktops fueled by combustible gases such as natural gas, propane, butane, liquefied petroleum (LP) gas, or other flammable gases are eligible for exemption without a price limit. However, outdoor gas grills, camping stoves, and portable stoves are not included in this exemption.
Energy Star appliances purchased for non-commercial use are exempt from sales tax. This category includes washing machines, clothes dryers, and water heaters priced at \(1,500 or less. Moreover, refrigerators and refrigerator/freezers with a sales price of \)4,500 or less are also eligible for sales tax exemption.