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Back to School means shopping, and in the state of Florida you can do much of it sales tax-free starting Monday, July 25. FLORIDA DEPT. OF REVENUE
Summer’s almost over, and it’s about time for our children to head back to school. There’s one thing that’s almost as much of a tradition as the first day of school:
Back to School shopping!
And, as in previous years, the state of Florida is offering consumers the chance to buy a long list of supplies needed for school without sales tax.
That period now lasts two weeks, starting Monday and ending on Aug. 7.
In general, if your student is going to wear it, put it in their backpacks for classroom use, or use it to do their homework — chances are, it will be available tax-free starting next week.
In general, here are the guidelines for what’s exempt from sales tax:
Most school supplies selling for $50 or less;
Clothing, shoes and accessories selling for $100 or less (Keep in mind, sales of diapers, baby and toddler clothing are already exempt through June 30, 2023);
Computers and accessories used for home or personal uses selling for $1,500 or less;
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles selling for $30 or less. Examples include e-books, flash cards, interactive books, matching and memory games, search-and-find books, stacking blocks and sets, and other toys that teacher reading or math skills.
These exemptions do not apply to sales of learning aids within a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport.
A note on gift cards: their sale is not taxable. A gift card does not reduce the sales price of an item. Eligible items purchased during the sales tax holiday period using a gift card qualify for the exemption, regardless of when the gift card was purchased. Eligible items purchased after the sales tax holiday period using a gift card are taxable, even if the gift card was purchased during the sales tax holiday period.
A full list of the items that are exempt from tax — and those that aren’t — is available from the Florida Deparment of Revenue at: https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_22A01-08.pdf
