Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holidays: Know Before You Go!

ByLaura Byrne Last Updated

There are TWO Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays on schedule in Florida with one kicking off before the start of the next school year and then another to Florida families replenish school supplies mid-school year.

Florida’s popular Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns on Monday, July 24, 2023 through Sunday, August 6, 2023 with a second exemption period on schedule for January 1, 2024 through January 14, 2024 to help re-stock school supplies mid-school year!

The National Retail Federation is estimating the average American family will spend at least $864 in preparation for the new 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: Complete list of exempt items 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 qualify, but items that do not qualify include jewelry, watches and snow ski boots. We’ve included a link above to review a complete list of items that qualify and items that do not to help guide you through the shopping weekend.

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.

Don’t Miss the 2023 Back-to-School Fair in Tampa

A great time to take advantage of the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is during the 16th Annual Back-to-School Fair presented by Hillsborough County Schools at WestShore Plaza on Saturday, July 29 from 10 am -2 pm. We’ll have live performances, giveaways, and 60 local businesses and organizations on hand ready to talk to answer any questions you may have and live performances and giveaways. 

MORE Sales Tax Holidays in Florida:

  • Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday: May 27-June 9 and August 26-September 8, 2023
  • Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday: May 29-September 4, 2023
  • Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: July 24-August 6, 2023 and January 1-14, 2024
  • Tools & Equipment: September 2-8, 2023
  • 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 now permanent.