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

Get ready to save during Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday this July 25-August 7, 2022! Some exclusions apply, so make sure you know before you go! 

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Florida’s popular Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns on Monday, July 25, 2022 and ends on Sunday, August 7, 2022! You’ll notice that the state has increased the price point at which certain items will be tax exempt, so that’s a new savings for Florida families.

The National Retail Federation is estimating the average American family will spend $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 keyworkd ‘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.

MORE Sales Tax Holidays in Florida:

Children’s Books 2022 Sales Tax Exemption: May 14-August 14, 2022

We’re super happy about this one because it’s coming just in time for the summer break when summer slide kicks in for some kids. Pick up a few books for your kiddos and save! The Children’s Books sales tax exemption applies to books written for kids ages 12 and younger. So, no–it does not apply for an adult book you may claim to buying for your child.

Here is how the Florida Department of Revenue is defining a ‘children’s book’: “For purposes of the sales tax exemption period, a children’s book is “any fiction or nonfiction book primarily intended for children age 12 or younger, including any board book, picture book, beginning reader book, juvenile chapter book, middle grade book, or audiobook on CD or tape.” If a book is labeled with an age range that includes 12 years old and younger, the book qualifies for the exemption.”

There is no limit on the number of books and no limit on how much the books may cost. And here’s some more good news. It also applies to children’s books purchased online during the tax break holiday. You can read more about Florida’s Children’s Books Sales Tax Exemption FAQs here.

Baby Diapers and clothing items for babies and kids ages 5 and younger: July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023

If you’ve got a baby on the way or little ones at home, rejoice! Florida’s sales tax exemption on baby diapers, baby and toddler clothing, apparel and shoes will come as a huge relief for families. The sales tax exemption is for clothing intended for kids ages 5 and younger. While basic everyday clothing items are included in the exemption, surprisingly, snow suits and snow boots also qualify –again, it’s for clothing intended for kids 5 and younger, but why not take advantage if you have a winter or spring ski trip planned.

You can read the full list of what qualifies and what doesn’t in the Baby Diapers and Clothing Items for Babies and Toddlers Sales Tax Exemption here.

Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday: July 1-July 7, 2022

Next on the sales tax-relief pipeline is the Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday which runs July 1-July 7. You’ll get a sales tax break on purchases of admission to music events, sporting events, cultural events, state park annual passes and fitness facilities for use in 2022. You’ll also get a break on certain outdoor–related supplies including: 

• NEW IN 2022: Sales tax exemption on the first $35 of recreational pool tubes, pool floats, inflatable chairs, and pool toys.
• NEW IN 2022: Residential pool supplies: Sales tax break on the first $100 of pool parts, nets, filters, lights. And, break on first $150 of the combined sales price of pool and spa chemicals purchased by an individual.
• Camping Supplies: First $200 of a tent and first $50 of sleeping bags, hammocks, camping stoves and camping chairs
• Fishing Supplies:  First $75 of fishing rods and reels, first $30 of a tackle box and first $5 on bait and tackle. 
• Boating and Water Safety Supplies: First $75 of life jackets and coolers; first $50 for safety flares; first $150 of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards and inflatable/towable water tubes or floats; first $300 of paddle boards and surfboards; first $500 of canoes and kayaks; first $25 of snorkels, goggles and swimming masks. 
• You can read Florida’s Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday FAQs here.

Other Florida sales tax exemptions you may be interested in: