Floridians are gearing up for the annual back-to-school sales tax holiday, a two-week event where many school-related items are exempt from the state’s usual 6% sales tax. This year’s holiday runs from July 29 to August 11, 2024, offering significant savings on a variety of essentials.
Key Takeaways
- Duration: July 29 to August 11, 2024
- Tax-Exempt Items: Clothing, school supplies, personal computers, and more
- Exclusions: Jewelry, watches, certain electronics, and more
- Online Purchases: Eligible if delivered to a Florida address
- Tourist Purchases: Not tax-exempt at theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, or airports
When is Florida’s Tax-Free Weekend 2024?
The back-to-school sales tax holiday in Florida will last for two weeks, from Monday, July 29, through Sunday, August 11, 2024. This extended period includes two weekends, giving shoppers ample time to take advantage of the tax savings.
What Items Are Tax-Exempt?
During the sales tax holiday, many items are exempt from Florida’s 6% sales tax, provided they fall under specific price limits:
- Clothing: $100 or less per item
- School Supplies: $50 or less per item
- Personal Computers and Tablets: $1,500 or less per item
- Learning Aids and Jigsaw Puzzles: $30 or less per item
Examples of Tax-Exempt Items
- Hats, shoes, shorts, pants, shirts, underwear, socks, and raincoats
- Backpacks, book bags, handbags, purses, and lunch boxes
- Cleated and spiked shoes and swimsuits
- Notebooks, scissors, pens, pencils, and calculators
- Printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, and routers
- Electronic books, flashcards, puzzle books, and matching games
- Hair accessories, wallets, and belts
What Items Are Not Tax-Exempt?
While many items are included, some are not eligible for tax exemption during the holiday:
- Clothing: Umbrellas, protective masks, roller skates, rented formal clothing, non-prescription sunglasses, and goggles
- School Supplies: Printer or computer paper, and books not otherwise exempt
- Electronics: Computer bags, CDs and DVDs, computers for recreational use, regular batteries, smartphones, surge protectors, tablet covers, game controllers, and digital cameras
- Miscellaneous Items: Furniture, luggage, garment bags, suitcases, and any rentals of eligible items
Online Purchases
Online purchases can qualify for the tax exemption if they are delivered to a Florida address. Retailers like Amazon participate in state sales tax holidays, but be aware that tax may still be calculated on items that do not qualify, such as those over a certain price threshold or specific excluded items.
Tourist Purchases
Tourists may find it challenging to benefit from the tax holiday. Purchases made at theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, or airports are not tax-exempt. This rule aims to ensure that the tax holiday primarily benefits Florida residents.
Store Participation
It’s important to note that not all Florida businesses are required to participate in the sales tax holiday. Shoppers should check with individual stores to confirm their participation before making purchases.
The Florida back-to-school sales tax holiday is a great opportunity for residents to save on essential items. By understanding what’s included and what’s not, shoppers can make the most of this annual event.
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