One of the most anticipated moments for some Florida residents is upon us. Ron DeSantis launched the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday. This initiative was promoted by Governor Ron DeSantis, who presented it as part of his strategy to “empower parents” and strengthen the economy of the “Free State of Florida.” Florida thus launches its long-awaited tax-free sales season, a significant economic relief for families preparing for the return to school.
Officials emphasize that the goal is to support the pocketbooks of Florida families during a time of high spending
“By reducing taxes, empowering parents, and boosting our economy, we’re making it easier for people to live, work, and prosper in the Free State of Florida,” the governor said last July. Officials emphasize that the goal is to support the pocketbooks of Florida families during a time of high spending and revive the local economy.
The tax exemption will be in effect from August 1 to 31, 2025, and will apply to both in-store and online purchases, as long as the payment is processed during that period. This means you can take advantage of the benefits from anywhere in the state or even when shopping online, as long as the order is processed during the exemption period. Gift card purchases also qualify for the exemption, as long as the established price limits are met.
Consumers can access the benefit from anywhere in the state, or even from home
Therefore, this is an aid that will be reflected primarily in the pockets of people with lower purchasing power. Especially in these times, when the rising cost of living means citizens are seeing ever-increasing prices, both in supermarkets and in clothing stores, and of course, in school supplies.
It’s important to remember that consumers can access the benefit from anywhere in the state, or even from home, if they choose to purchase products through digital platforms. However, items purchased at theme parks, airports, and hotels do not qualify, nor do rented products or repair services.
Tax exemption to items related to educational technology, up to $1,500 per unit
Specifically, the products included in the tax exemption are those related to educational technology, up to $1,500 per unit; clothing and footwear, up to $100 per item; backpacks and handbags, up to $100 per item; school supplies, up to $50 per item; and teaching materials and learning games, up to $30 per item.
Individuals can purchase the following items under the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday program
Therefore, if we narrow down the list of items included, individuals can purchase the following items under the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday program:
- Laptops, tablets, desktop computers
- Keyboards, mice, routers, monitors
- Calculators, e-readers, educational software
- Shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, shoes, sandals, boots, belts, gloves, scarves, and hats
- School backpacks, fanny packs, and diaper bags
- Notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, glue, rulers, folders, scissors, staples, and poster paper
- Flash cards, interactive books, puzzles, and memory games
The only requirement is that the items purchased from each category must not exceed the total
In this way, Florida joins other states seeking to ease the economic impact of returning to school. It’s well known to all families that the cost of returning to school can be very high. Especially if we start talking about large families, with more than one or two children in school.
Finally, remember that tax-free purchases are available for all purchases. This means you can purchase as many items as you need, from different categories. The only requirement is that the items purchased from each category must not exceed the total, the maximum allowed price.
