Florida’s two-week back-to-school sales tax-free period ends today, August 11.
Many school supplies (including laptops and tablets) and clothing items are exempt from Florida’s 6% sales tax.
Shoppers can save on most items under a certain dollar amount. For example, clothing can cost $100 or less per item, school supplies can cost $50 or less, computers and tablets can cost $1,500 or less, and learning aids and puzzles can cost $30 or less.
During the sales tax holiday, you can purchase many school supplies tax-free in the state. Here are some highlights:
- Hats, shoes, shorts, pants, shirts, underwear, socks and raincoats
- Backpacks, bookbags, handbags, purses and lunch boxes
- Shoes with studs and spikes and swimsuits
- Notebooks, scissors, pens, pencils and calculators
- Printers, scanners, mice, keyboards and routers
- Electronic books, flashcards, puzzle books and matching games
- Hair accessories, wallets and belts
Click or tap here to see a detailed list of what qualifies and what doesn’t.
Do online purchases qualify?
Online purchases may qualify, but delivery to a Florida address is required.
What is not included?
While many eligible items are eligible for the two-week tax holiday, there are some exceptions.
- Accessories such as jewelry and watches are not Likewise, many types of gloves are not tax-free. Some additional exceptions apply.
- Clothing. Umbrellas and protective masks are subject to tax, as are roller skates, rented formal clothing, and non-prescription sunglasses and goggles.
- School supplies. Taxable items include printer or computer paper and books that are not otherwise exempt from tax.
- Electronics. Many electronic devices are subject to the tax, including computer cases, CDs and DVDs, recreational computers, regular batteries (e.g. non-medical), smartphones, surge protectors, tablet cases, game controllers and digital cameras.
- Miscellaneous items. Furniture, luggage, garment bags, suitcases and all eligible rental items are subject to tax and are excluded from tax-free holidays.
The VAT exemption does not apply to:
- Any item of clothing with a retail price of more than $100
- All school supplies with a retail price of more than $50
- Books that are not otherwise exempt
- Computers and computer accessories with a retail price of over $1,500
- Computers and computer accessories purchased for commercial purposes
- Rental of all eligible items
- Repairs or alterations to eligible items
- The sale of eligible items in a theme park or entertainment complex, a place of public accommodation,
- or airports
