Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

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

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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.

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

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The National Retail Federation is estimating the average American family will spend at least $864 in preparation for the school year, up $15 from last year. This estimate includes the spend on clothing, school supplies and electronics, but still…gulp. But, here’s the even bigger gulp. That number is $168 more since 2019, a significant increase since the start of the pandemic.

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.

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:

  • Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday: June 1 – 14 and August 24 – September 6, 2024
  • Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday: July 1 – July 31, 2024
  • Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: July 29 – August 11, 2024
  • Skilled Worker Sales Tax Holiday: September 1 – 7, 2024
  • Energy Star Appliances: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
  • Home Hardening: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024
  • Sales tax exemptions on Baby & Toddler Clothing, Shoes, Diapers, and wipes are now permanent.