Florida's Tax-Free Back-to-School Period in 2025
The Florida sales tax holiday for 2025 is set to take place from Friday, August 1, to Sunday, August 31. This year, the event has been made permanent and expanded to cover a full month, marking a significant change from previous years.
During this period, several purchases will be tax-exempt. Here's a breakdown of the items eligible for tax exemption, along with some exceptions:
Back-to-School Tax Holiday (August 1–31, 2025)
- Clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item
- School supplies priced at $50 or less per item
- Learning aids and puzzles priced at $30 or less
- Personal computers (for non-business use) priced at $1,500 or less
Exceptions
- Accessories like jewelry and watches are not tax-free during the Florida sales tax holiday.
- Many types of athletic gloves are not tax-exempt.
- Books not otherwise exempt are taxable.
- Roller skates, rented clothing, non-prescription sunglasses and goggles, umbrellas, and protective masks are not tax-free.
- Furniture, luggage, garment bags, suitcases, and any rentals of eligible items are taxable and excluded from the tax-free holiday.
Items Taxable During the Florida Sales Tax Holiday
- Many electronics, including computer bags, CDs and DVDs, computers for recreational use, smartphones, surge protectors, tablet covers, game controllers, and digital cameras, are taxable.
- Printer or computer paper is a taxable item.
New Addition: Hunting, Fishing & Camping Sales Tax Holiday (September 8–December 31, 2025)
This new holiday exempts various outdoor gear, including:
- Tents priced up to $200
- Sleeping bags, hammocks, collapsible chairs, and stoves priced up to $50 each
- Lanterns and flashlights priced up to $30
- Fishing rods, reels, tackle with specified price caps
- Many hunting supplies such as firearms, bows, and ammunition without a fixed price limit
Exclusions
- Theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, and airports do not participate in the Florida sales tax holiday.
It's important to note that while the general purpose of a state sales tax holiday is to benefit state residents, the effectiveness of sales tax holidays in achieving this goal is still up for debate.
Online purchases may also be eligible for tax exemption during the Florida sales tax holiday, but it's advisable to check with individual retailers for specific details. Retailers must adjust their sales tax systems to reflect these permanent exemptions starting August 1, 2025.
With these changes, Florida residents have a unique opportunity to save on a wide range of items during the extended back-to-school tax holiday and the new hunting, fishing, and camping tax holiday.
During the extended back-to-school tax holiday and the new hunting, fishing, and camping tax holiday in Florida, personal finance management can be improved by taking advantage of tax-exempt shopping for certain items such as personal computers and learning aids, while accessories like watches, books, and electronics like smartphones continue to be taxable. Additionally, one's lifestyle can be enhanced with potential savings on fishing equipment and outdoor gear, but exceptions exist for items like theme park admissions and furniture, which remain taxable.
