Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is Here: Know Before You Go!

By Last Updated

Florida’s popular Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns in 2024 on Monday, July 29 through Sunday, August 11, 2024.

Florida’s popular Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns July 29, 2024, through August 11, 2024, to help stock-up school supplies.

Patel Conservatory dancers perform as baby mice in Next Generation Ballet's production of Nutcracker.

Looking for Things to Do in Tampa Bay?

>>This Weekend’s Top Picks
>>Holiday Fun in Tampa Bay
>> 40+ Free Things to Do with Kids

The National Retail Federation is estimating the average American family will spend at least $874.68 in preparation for the upcoming school year. While that’s down $15 from last year’s record high of $890.07, it’s still the second-highest spend in the survey’s history. This estimate includes the spend on clothing, school supplies, and electronics.

Before you head out the door to shop, there are a few sales tax holiday limitations to keep in mind. The sales tax holiday only applies to certain school supplies priced at $50 or less per item and certain clothing, footwear, and accessories that are $100 or less per item. There is also a new sales tax exemption for learning aids and jigsaw puzzles that are $30 or less.

It also applies to the sales of personal computers and other electronic items you might need for eLearning. You will not be taxed on the first $1,500 of the sales price of a personal computer.

A great time to shop is during the 17th Annual Back to School Fair presented by Hillsborough County Public Schools on Saturday, August 3 at WestShore Plaza in Tampa!

READ: See a complete list of what qualifies from the Florida Department of Revenue

Notice the keyword ‘certain’. Clothing items $100 or less that qualify include shirts, pants, shorts, socks, baby clothes, diapers, youth bicycle helmets, even fanny packs, and snow ski suits, but items that do not qualify include jewelry, watches, and snow ski boots.

You’ll find most of the traditional school supplies items on the tax-exempt list–as long as they are $50 or less per item, but you’ll still pay taxes on items like masking tape, computer and printer paper, staples, and correction pens.

A big question we often hear is whether the tax holiday applies to purchases made online. The answer is yes, eligible items are exempt if purchased within the tax holiday timeframe. You can read more Frequently Asked Questions here, especially if you plan on using manufacturer’s coupons.

 

MORE Sales Tax Holidays in Florida:

  • Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday: July 1 – July 31, 2024
  • Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday: June 1 – 14 and August 24 – September 6, 2024
  • Skilled Worker Sales Tax Holiday: September 1 – 7, 2024
  • Sales tax exemptions on Baby & Toddler Clothing, Shoes, Diapers, and wipes are now permanent.