By Tracy McCormick-Dishman
Parents and students across Nassau County can take advantage of significant savings during Florida’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which runs through Sunday, August 31.
The month-long tax-free shopping period, approved by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, allows families to purchase qualifying school supplies, clothing, electronics, and other educational items without paying Florida’s sales tax.
What’s Tax-Free
During the holiday, shoppers can save on a wide range of back-to-school essentials. Clothing, footwear, and accessories priced at $100 or less per item are exempt from sales tax, including shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, boots, and accessories like belts and hats.
School supplies under $50 per item qualify for the tax exemption, covering everything from basic necessities like pencils, pens, notebooks, and folders to items like binders, calculators, lunch boxes, and staplers.
Technology purchases also receive substantial savings. Personal computers and related accessories for home or personal use are tax-free if priced at $1,500 or less. This includes laptops, tablets, electronic book readers, keyboards, mice, monitors, and non-recreational software. However, cell phones, video game consoles, and primarily recreational devices don’t qualify.
Bags and wallets under $100, including backpacks, handbags, and diaper bags, are also tax-exempt, though briefcases and suitcases are excluded.
Additional Savings on Learning Materials
Educational toys and learning aids priced at $30 or less qualify for the holiday, including flashcards, interactive books that teach reading or math skills, puzzle books, and educational games.
Important Exceptions
The tax holiday doesn’t apply to rentals or repairs of qualifying items. Additionally, purchases made at theme parks, entertainment complexes, hotels, or airports don’t qualify for the exemption.
Planning Your Shopping
With families preparing for the new school year, the extended August timeframe provides flexibility for back-to-school shopping. The Florida Department of Revenue has created promotional materials and frequently asked questions available at floridarevenue.com/backtoschool to help consumers understand the program.
For Nassau County families looking to stretch their back-to-school budgets, the sales tax holiday offers meaningful savings on essential items needed for the upcoming academic year.
editor@floridanewsline.com
