Florida tax holiday – Pictured: Aisles full of supplies at Home Depot – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by QualityHD
Under a new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Floridians will soon save tax money on year-round hurricane preparedness and safety items, as well as back-to-school necessities and more.
The newly enacted budget for Florida includes permanent sales tax exemptions that go into effect on August 1. Helping families get ready for storms without waiting for short-term tax exemptions is the aim.
“It will greatly aid us in the area of readiness,” Manatee County Emergency Management chief Matt Myers stated.
Year-Round Permanent, What’s Included
(NEW: These tax holidays are now permanent; they were previously temporary.)
Items for disaster preparedness:
– Batteries; tanks or cans of gas or diesel fuel
– Portable generators
– Tarps
– Tie-down kits or ground anchors
Safety and health supplies:
Fire extinguishers; smoke alarms and detectors
Sunscreen
Repellant for insects and life jackets
Helmets for cyclists
Other:
Admission to Florida State Park is tax-exempt for first-time visitors.
A new permanent exemption for gold, silver, and platinum bullion
Temporary Holiday Only in 2025
Equipment for hunting, fishing, and camping: (NEW: Established under HB 7031)
September 8–December 31, 2025 is the date range.
Details of the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
August 1–31, 2025: Consists of more general categories An annual holiday that is permanent
Holiday for the back-to-school sales tax:
Continuation, but with an expansion. Previously, a one- to two-week holiday.
Currently, it operates as a month-long holiday in August.
– School supplies: lunchboxes, notes, pens, pencils, and binder (up to $50).
– Clothes/apparel (up to $100): sweaters, shirts, shoes, jeans, and backpacks.
– Educational resources (up to $30): flashcards, puzzles, and interactive books.
Laptops, printers, flash drives, and headphones are examples of personal computers and peripherals that can cost up to $1,500.
According to Myers, the modification might persuade people to make plans in advance rather than waiting for temporary tax benefits.
You don’t have to wait for these sales tax holidays just yet. In fact, you can take preventative action at any time of year, according to Myers. “I think it’s just less stress on people after seeing the destruction that occurred and having to wait for these sales tax holidays just to get ready.”
To learn more about the Back-to-School Tax Holiday, go to the website of the Florida Department of Revenue.
A Reminder to Get Ready
This season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted five major hurricanes and 23 named storms. Myers stated that now is the time to prepare, despite the storm season being comparatively calm thus far.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
