Florida’s Sales Tax Holidays
Florida's sales tax holidays. Florida sales tax runs anywhere from 6% to 8%, depending upon the county where you are making the purchase. Several years ago the Florida legislature started sales tax "holidays," beginning with the back-to-school season. Flush with a budget surplus again this year, the legislature passed several more holidays which begin in May. Some of them last a week, while others last up to 2 years. For a major purchase you might be considering, it pays to know the timetables. Disaster Preparedness: June 1 - 14 and August 24 - September 6 There has been an annual sales tax holiday for disaster preparedness for a few years now. If you are in or near Florida, and getting low on batteries, bungee cords, coolers, tarps, portable generator(s?), or several other items listed in the link below, you can save the sales tax by waiting until the week of the holiday to stock up. The second sales tax holiday in late August occurs right before the busiest part of hurricane season. Of note, the holiday includes all kinds of pet provisions - pet food, pet kennels, pet beds, leashes, and even pet waste disposal bags. Also new last yaer, consumable household goods like paper goods, soap, hand sanitizer, and trash bags. Here is the link to the list of exempted disaster preparedness items: https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_24A01-04.pdf Big Deal - Home Hardening Disaster Preparedness: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2024 This one is a bigger deal and can save major bucks. Impact-resistant windows, doors, and garage doors will be fully exempt from sales tax through the end of June. So if you are planning a major home improvement, talk to your contractor about placing the order. On a $5,000 order, in a 7% sales tax county, that's a $350 savings. Unlike most of the other holidays, this exemption also applies to commercial orders. More detail on home hardening exemptions here: https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_22A01-07.pdf Fun Events, Outdoor Supplies and Annual Passes: The whole month of July This sales tax holiday began during the pandemic. Event tickets, camping supplies, paddle boards, kayaks, binoculars, grills, and bicycles are some of the larger ticket items included in the holiday. Of note also - annual or season passes for museums, theater series, ballet, and state parks. The complete list for events and supplies during "Freedom Month" is here: https://floridarevenue.com/FreedomMonth/Documents/2024/FM%20poster%2011x17.pdf Back-to-School: July 29 - August 11 The list of back-to-school items has a few surprises in it. Items you would assume are included are not, and others you assume are not, are. (Example: snowsuits included, swimsuits not). More information on the strange list of exemptions here: What Does Qualify for Florida’s Back to School Sales Tax Holiday? Also, see the back-to-school flyer (complete list not available yet as of publication): https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool/Documents/2024/BTS_poster11x17.pdf Labor Day/Tool Time Tax Savings: September 1- September 7 Larger-ticket items on the "Tool Time" holiday include power tools under $300, power tool batteries, toolboxes, and work boots. It also includes shop lights, plumbing tools, and duffle bags.…