Florida Tax-Free Holidays In 2024: School Start Dates & Applicable Information Details

From July 29 to August 11, 2024, Florida will once again host its Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. This year, the holiday has been extended to 14 days, offering extended opportunities for savings.

During this period, various items such as clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies will be exempt from sales tax. Additionally, you can benefit from tax-free purchases on camping gear, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, outdoor supplies, sports gear, concert tickets, museum memberships, sporting events, plays, gym memberships, batteries, coolers, generators, power tools, and more.

In addition to this, there are permanent exemptions for items like diapers, wipes, baby gear, and clothing for children aged 5 and under. The 2024 Florida Tax-Free Holiday, resulting from House Bill 7073 passed by the Florida Legislature in March 2024 and signed into law by the Governor on May 7, 2024, provides further details on the tax-free weeks.

Florida Tax-Free Holidays in 2024

The holiday applies to a range of items:

  • Clothing: Items such as clothing, wallets, and bags (excluding briefcases and suitcases) priced at $100 or less each.
  • School Supplies: Items like pencils, erasers, notebooks, and binders priced at $50 or less.
  • Learning Aids and Puzzles: Products such as flashcards and puzzle books priced at $30 or less.
  • Personal Computers and Accessories: Computers and related accessories, e-book readers, and tablets priced under $1,500.

Additional Information

  • Gift Cards: Purchases made with gift cards are not subject to tax, even if the card was obtained during the holiday.
  • Exchanges: If you exchange an item for the same type during the holiday period, no tax is required, even if the exchange is made after the holiday. However, if you return an item for a credit and then use that credit to make a new purchase after the holiday, sales tax will apply.
  • Coupons and Rebates: Items reduced to less than $100 with a coupon or rebate will be tax-exempt. However, it’s advisable to confirm the tax implications if the item’s price is near $100.
  • Online Purchases: Tax-free treatment applies to items bought online or via mail order if the order is placed during the holiday, even if delivery is after the holiday.

Sales Tax Holidays

  • Disaster Preparedness: From June 1 to June 14, 2024, and from August 24 to September 6, 2024, save on hurricane supplies.
  • Summer Sales Tax Holiday: From July 1 to July 31, 2024, save on items like camping gear, kayaks, and more.
  • Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday: From September 1 to September 7, 2024, save on tools and other related items.

School Start Dates

The 2024-2025 school year in Florida begins on August 12, 2024, for most counties, including Orange, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Duval. Miami-Dade County starts on August 15, and Broward County on August 14. State legislation prohibits school start dates before August 10, and individual counties set their own start dates within this framework.

Final Thoughts

The Florida Tax-Free Holiday provides a valuable opportunity for families to save on essential back-to-school items. By taking advantage of this period, families can alleviate some financial burdens associated with preparing for the new school year, benefiting both the family budget and the local economy.

FAQs

What does Florida’s 2024 sales tax holiday include?

Eligible items include clothing priced at $100 or less per item, school supplies costing $50 or less, personal computers and tablets priced under $1,500, and learning aids and puzzles under $30.

Is Florida exempt from sales tax in 2024?

The Florida Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday runs from July 1 to July 31, 2024.

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