Florida's Tax-Free Back-to-School Period in 2025
Florida's 2025 Sales Tax Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide
Florida has announced significant updates to its sales tax holidays for 2025, offering residents a chance to save on various items during specific periods. Here's a breakdown of the changes:
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday (August 1–31, 2025)
This extended holiday covers the entire month of August, making it a permanent fixture, thanks to House Bill 7031. Eligible items include clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item, school supplies priced at $50 or less per item, learning aids and jigsaw puzzles priced at $30 or less per item, and personal computers and computer accessories for non-business use priced at $1,500 or less per item.
New Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday (September 8 through December 31, 2025)
Introduced in 2025, this holiday covers a much longer period, from early September to the end of the year. It focuses on specific hunting, fishing, and camping gear that will be exempt from sales tax during this period.
Permanent Sales Tax Exemptions (August 1, 2025)
Certain previously temporary exemptions, such as specific batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt), bicycle helmets, and other items typically exempt during disaster preparedness sales tax holidays, have become permanent. Retailers must update their systems accordingly.
Online Purchase Requirements
While the specifics are not detailed, typically in Florida sales tax holidays, online purchases qualify if the retailer ships to Florida or has nexus in the state. It is advisable to verify individual retailer policies and whether they correctly apply the holiday exemption at checkout.
Exclusions and Important Notes
- Purchases exceeding the stated price caps are taxable.
- Items bought for business/commercial use are excluded.
- The expanded back-to-school holiday replaced the previous additional January holiday.
- Some goods may remain taxable despite the holiday (e.g., certain electronics or supplies beyond limits).
Items Not Participating in Florida's Tax-Free Holidays
Theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, and airports do not participate in Florida's tax-free holidays.
Taxable Items During Florida's Back-to-School Holiday
- Furniture, luggage, garment bags, suitcases, and any rentals of eligible items
- Umbrellas and protective masks
- Printer or computer paper and books not otherwise exempt
- Many types of athletic gloves
- Roller skates, rented clothing, and non-prescription sunglasses and goggles
For a complete list of included and excluded items, visit the Florida Department of Revenue website. To maximize savings, remember the price and use exclusions.
During the extended Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday in 2025, residents can save on personal-finance essentials like school supplies and clothing, but accessories such as printers, books, and athletic gloves remain taxable. On the other hand, during the New Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday in 2025, residents can take advantage of tax savings on their wallet-friendly gear exempt from sales tax.
