The highly anticipated Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is making a grand return, and this time it’s bigger and better than ever.
The traditional weekend event has been transformed into a generous two-week tax holiday
For Pinellas County residents, this means a brief respite from the usual 7% sales tax, with 6% going to the state and 1% to the county. Imagine saving an extra $7 in taxes on a $100 qualifying purchase, which includes a variety of items.
The Florida Department of Revenue has compiled a comprehensive list of items eligible for tax exemption during this period. It includes learning aids priced at $30 or less, most school supplies under $50, clothing, footwear, and accessories valued at $100 or less, and computers and related accessories priced up to $1,500 for non-commercial and personal use. For tech-savvy students and learners, this is an excellent opportunity to grab those electronic books, interactive games, and educational toys without the added tax burden.
Any single item exceeding the monetary limit in each category will not be eligible for the tax holiday benefit
Also, some items such as commercial computer purchases, rentals, repairs, and sales within certain venues won’t qualify.
Tax holidays are not a new concept, having originated in the 1980s and 1990s in the Midwest to boost auto sales. Florida joined the tax holiday trend in 1998, taking inspiration from New York‘s successful tax-free shopping promotion to keep business within the state.
Mark your calendars not just for this year but also for the beginning of 2024! Another two-week tax holiday is planned to run from Monday, Jan. 1, to Sunday, Jan. 14, giving shoppers a splendid opportunity to make tax-free purchases once again.