everything you need to know

If you live in Florida and missed out on shopping for the holidays, we have good news. The state is offering extended holiday sales in the form of the Florida School Tax Holiday. This tax-free period has already begun and will continue until mid-January.

Florida School Tax Holiday in January – Do you need it?

Florida implemented its first back-to-school sales tax exemption in January. Previously, the state had only had one back-to-school sales tax exemption, but Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed additional back-to-school tax exemptions after approving a $1.3 billion tax cut bill.

The state of Florida had two sales tax holidays last year (May and August) to prepare for disasters. It is unclear whether the governor will approve two Florida school tax holidays next year.

But while Gov. Ron DeSantis has already proposed two back-to-school holidays for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, his proposal hinges on a $114.4 billion budget recommendation for state lawmakers to consider next week.

The Florida school tax holiday could provide much-needed relief to parents as students return from winter break. Florida’s sales tax rate is 6%, with a local tax rate of up to 2%. Therefore, the maximum sales tax in some parts of Florida can be as high as 8%.

But some are concerned that a sales tax holiday right after the holidays may not attract shoppers. Additionally, two sales tax holidays could eat into the state’s revenue. This year’s two back-to-school holidays are estimated to reduce state and local government revenues by $126.8 million and $33.8 million, respectively.

What items are tax-exempt?

Florida school tax holidays are January 1 through January 14, 2024. During this period, the following items are exempt from state sales tax:

• Most school supplies (pens, notebooks, markers, calculators) cost less than $50.
• Clothing, shoes and accessories under $100.
• Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles, including flashcards, memory games, and toys to teach reading or math skills (priced under $30).
• Computers and related accessories valued at $1,500 or less when purchased for non-commercial or personal use.

Shoppers should note that cell phones and video game consoles are not exempt from sales tax. You can see the full list of duty-free items here.

Florida’s sales tax exemption not only benefits parents and students, but also stores. Shoppers don’t have to do anything to get the tax exemption. Sales tax for exempt items will be automatically deducted at checkout.

Shoppers can avoid sales tax even if they buy eligible items online if the store accepts the order during the tax-free period. Item delivery may occur after tax holidays.

For more information about the Florida School Tax Holiday, visit the Department of Revenue website or call the department at (850) 488-6800.