2023 Florida Sales Tax Holidays: Check out the tax-free back-to-school items

The Florida sales tax holidays start on Monday (July 24, 2023) and run through August 6. Keep this handy list of goods that are and are NOT tax-free for the next two weeks as you prepare to go to the shops.

The next Florida sales tax holidays offer an opportunity, according to Bill Herrle, state executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business Florida, to support neighborhood businesses during these “difficult economic times.”

Since 1998, there have been almost yearly back-to-school Florida sales tax holidays that normally run for three to nine days. As the state’s coffers were boosted by federal COVID-19 stimulus money and higher-than-expected tax receipts, the break was extended to 10 days in 2021 and 14 days last year.

Here is a look at what lawmakers included in the back-to-school holiday:

During the Florida Sales Tax Holidays, consumers won’t be required to pay sales taxes on items including $100 or less footwear, diaper bags, wallets, bags, backpacks, fanny packs, and clothing. Briefcases, suitcases, clothing bags, skis, swim fins, roller blades, and skates are excluded.

During the Florida Sales Tax Holidays, consumers won’t be required to pay sales taxes on $50 or less worth of calculators, protractors, compasses, legal pads, lunch boxes, construction paper, markers, folders, poster board, composition books, scissors, cellophane tape, glue, and other office supplies.

During the Florida Sales Tax Holidays, shoppers won’t have to pay sales taxes on learning aids and puzzles, ranging from flashcards and memory games to puzzle books and toys intended to teach reading or math skills, that cost $30 or less.

During the Florida Sales Tax Holidays, you won’t be required to pay sales taxes on personal computers and related equipment that cost $1,500 or less, like keyboards and monitors. Cell phones, gaming consoles, and digital media receivers are not included.

Rental or repair of any of the eligible items is not covered during the Florida sales tax holidays. Additionally, purchases made in theme parks, entertainment centers, public lodging establishments, or airports are not subject to the sales tax holiday. You may purchase an unlimited number of tax-free goods. However, remember the individual item pricing caps.