Part of the American Revolution had to do with the original American colonists of the 1770s fighting with England over taxes. Well, 250 years later, "We the People" don't have to fight with the government over taxes on some items, as the Florida Legislature passed the "Freedom Week" sales tax holiday on many items.
There's still plenty of time to get in on he fun -- it began Friday and runs through Thursday (July 1-7). Purchases of sports equipment, boating and water activity supplies, bicycles, fishing supplies and more will be tax-free, along with tickets to events, movies, state parks, museum and sporting events held through Dec. 31 -- so if your favorite music acts or sports teams are playing before the end of the year (such as those at Osceola Heritage Park) and you can buy those tickets this week, you won't pay any tax, as long as you purchase them somewhere other than a theme park or entertainment center, hotel, resort or airport (i.e. Shop retail!)
The tax break, passed during the last legislative session, was intended to stimulate pre-pandemic activity in Florida. Here's an overview of what is tax free this week. (Check here for a full list from the state):
Boating and Water Supplies
To the first $75 of the sales price of life jackets and coolers
To the first $50 of the sales price of safety flares
To the first $150 of the sales price of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards and inflatable water tubes or floats that can be towed
To the first $300 of the sales price of paddleboards and surfboards
To the first $500 of the sales price of canoes and kayaks
To the first $75 of the sales price of paddles and oars
To the first $25 of the sales price of snorkels, goggles and swimming masks
Camping Supplies
To the first $200 of the sales price of tents
To the first $50 of the sales price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves and collapsible camping chairs
To the first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights
Fishing Supplies
To the first $75 of the sales price of rods and reels, if sold individually or the first $150 if sold as a set
To the first $30 of the sales price of tackle boxes or bags
To the first $5 of the sales price of bait or fishing tackle, if sold individually, or the first $10 if multiple items are sold together
Outdoor Supplies
To the first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen or insect repellant
To the first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses
To the first $200 of the sales price of binoculars
To the first $30 of the sales price of water bottles
To the first $50 of the sales price of hydration packs
To the first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills
To the first $50 of the sales price of bicycle helmets
To the first $250 of the sales price of bicycles
Sports Equipment
Any item used in individual or team sports, not including clothing or footwear, selling for $40 or less.
Upcoming tax-free holidays
Other sales tax holidays coming up will include:
Books for children are currently tax-free through Aug. 14
Diapers and clothing for children age 5 or under are tax-free through July 30
The annual Back-to-School tax holiday will be July 25-Aug. 7
Florida repeals its gas tax (about 25 cents per gallon) in the month of October.
