TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins Monday, July 20, and runs through Thursday, Aug. 20, allowing shoppers to buy qualifying clothing, school supplies, learning aids and personal computers without paying state sales tax.
The tax break was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. It applies to retail sales of eligible items purchased during the 32-day period.
What qualifies – During the holiday, no sales tax is due on:
- Clothing, footwear, wallets, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs and diaper bags with a sales price of $100 or less per item.
- School supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item.
- Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less.
- Personal computers and certain computer-related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
Clothing and accessories include shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, boots, sandals, belts, hats, scarves, backpacks and diaper bags. The exemption does not cover briefcases, suitcases, garment bags, watches, jewelry, umbrellas or handkerchiefs.
School supplies include pens, pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, binders, folders, lunch boxes, glue, scissors, rulers, construction paper, poster board, staplers and similar items.
Learning aids include flashcards, interactive or electronic books and toys designed to teach reading or math skills, memory games, puzzle books and stacking or nesting blocks.
Computers and related accessories include desktops, laptops, tablets, electronic book readers, calculators, keyboards, mice, monitors (without television tuners), printers, routers, nonrecreational software, flash drives and headphones. Cellular telephones, video game consoles, digital media receivers and items designed primarily for recreational use do not qualify. Computers and accessories bought for commercial or business use also remain taxable.
What does not qualify
- Rentals or repairs of any eligible items.
- Sales inside theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments or airports.
- Items priced above the category limits.
- Books that are not otherwise exempt.
- Computer cases, tablet covers, surge protectors and furniture.
Most Florida school districts, including those in Indian River County, begin classes the week of Aug. 10. The extended holiday window gives families time to shop both before and after the first day of school.
For the complete list of qualifying items, exclusions and frequently asked questions, visit the Florida Department of Revenue website.