Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is Here: Know Before You Go!

Did you know we are getting TWO Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays in Florida this school year? The second sales tax holiday is January 1, 2024, through January 14, 2024, just in time to help Florida families replenish school supplies mid-school year.


Florida’s popular Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns January 1, 2024 through January 14, 2024 to help re-stock school supplies mid-school year! This is the second exemption this school year, a first in Florida.

The National Retail Federation is estimating the average American family will spend at least $864 in preparation for the school year, up $15 from last year. This estimate includes the spend on clothing, school supplies and electronics, but still…gulp. But, here’s the even bigger gulp. That number is $168 more since 2019, a significant increase since the start of the pandemic.

Before you head out the door to shop, there are a few sales tax holiday limitations to keep in mind. The sales tax holiday only applies to certain school supplies priced at $50 or less per item and certain clothing, footwear and accessories that are $100 or less per item. There is also a new sales tax exemption for learning aids and jigsaw puzzles that are $30 or less.

It also applies to the sales of personal computers and other electronic items you might need for eLearning. You will not be taxed on the first $1,500 of the sales price of a personal computer.

READ: See a complete list of what qualifies from the Florida Department of Revenue

Notice the keyword ‘certain’. Clothing items $100 or less that qualify include shirts, pants, shorts, socks, baby clothes, diapers, youth bicycle helmets, even fanny packs, and snow ski suits, but items that do not qualify include jewelry, watches, and snow ski boots.

You’ll find most of the traditional school supplies items on the tax-exempt list–as long as they are $50 or less per item, but you’ll still pay taxes on items like masking tape, computer and printer paper, staples, and correction pens.

A big question we often hear is whether the tax holiday applies to purchases made online. The answer is yes, eligible items are exempt if purchased within the tax holiday timeframe. You can read more Frequently Asked Questions here, especially if you plan on using manufacturer’s coupons.

 

MORE Sales Tax Holidays in Florida:

  • Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday: May 27-June 9 and August 26-September 8, 2023
  • Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday: May 29-September 4, 2023
  • Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: July 24-August 6, 2023 and January 1-14, 2024
  • Tools & Equipment: September 2-8, 2023
  • Energy Star Appliances: July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024
  • Home Hardening: July 1, 2022-June 30, 2024
  • Sales tax exemptions on Baby & Toddler Clothing, Shoes, Diapers, and wipes now permanent.