During this period, parents, students, and guardians can purchase a variety of items without paying sales tax, resulting in significant savings. These tax-free days are designed to ease the financial burden of starting a new school year.
Items that can be bought tax-free include school supplies, clothing, and much more. In Florida, the tax-free campaign begins on Monday, July 29, and extends until Sunday, August 11.
Advantages of the Tax-Free Weekend
During these days, both in-store and online purchases of certain items will be tax-exempt. This is a great opportunity for families to get ready for the new school year without the added cost of sales tax.
All major retailers, as well as small local businesses, will participate in this initiative, offering tax exemptions on included products. It’s the perfect time to visit your favorite stores and stock up on everything needed for the back-to-school season. From big department stores to specialty shops, everyone is joining this campaign to make school shopping easier.
Tax-Exempt Items
Here are some of the items that will be tax-exempt during this period, according to the Florida Department of Revenue.
Computers and Accessories
If you’re thinking of buying a personal computer or related accessories, this is the time. Technology items intended for non-commercial home use, with a sale price of $1,500 or less, are included in the tax exemption. This covers:
- Calculators
- Desktop computers
- E-book readers
- Handheld devices
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Tower computers
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Modems
- Monitors
- Non-recreational software
- Other peripheral devices
- Personal digital assistants
- Routers
Clothing and Footwear
You can also take advantage of this period to update your school wardrobe. Clothing items with a sale price of $100 or less per item are tax-exempt. This includes:
All types of footwear except for skis, swim fins, rollerblades, and roller skates. Any garment intended to be worn on the human body, excluding watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, and handkerchiefs. Wallets or bags, including backpacks, diaper bags, fanny packs, and handbags.
School Supplies
Stationery and school supplies with a sale price of $50 or less per item are also tax-exempt. Some examples include:
- Folders
- Adhesive tape
- Compasses
- Composition notebooks
- Computer disks
- Construction paper
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Binders
- Glue or paste
- Legal pads
- Lunch boxes
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Notebook filler paper
- Pencils
- Pens
- Poster board
- Protractors
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Staplers and staples
- Learning aids and puzzles
For those looking for educational aids and learning games, there are also exemptions. Products with a sale price of $30 or less are included. Among them are:
- Flashcards or other learning cards
- Interactive or electronic books and toys designed to teach reading or math skills
- Memory games and other matching games
- Puzzle books and seek-and-find books
- Stacking blocks or nesting games
How to Make the Most of the Tax-Free Weekend
To get the most out of this tax-free weekend, it’s important to plan ahead. Make a list of the items you need to buy and check if they are included in the tax exemption. This will help you focus on the essentials and make the most of the available deals.
Even though the items are tax-exempt, it’s still a good idea to compare prices between different stores. Some might offer additional discounts that can help you save even more. Use apps and price comparison websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Take advantage of both physical stores and online shopping. Some products might only be available online or vice versa. Make sure to check if online stores are also participating in the tax exemption and if they offer free shipping during this period.
For more information about the tax-free weekend, the included items, and any other questions you might have, visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s website. There you will find complete details and answers to frequently asked questions that will help you navigate this tax exemption period smoothly.
The tax-free weekend is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year without the added cost of sales tax. Whether you need to update your school wardrobe, buy school supplies, or acquire new technology, these days will allow you to save on your purchases. Plan ahead, compare prices, and take advantage of both physical stores and online shopping to ensure you have everything you need for the new school year. Don’t miss this chance to save!
