Florida Families Score Big With Month Long Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday

Running from Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 31, the sales tax holiday provides significant financial relief to parents, students, and teachers alike as they prepare for the upcoming school year. “Proud to deliver additional sales tax holidays, including the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that begins on August 1,” Governor DeSantis said in a public statement. “By cutting taxes, empowering parents, and growing our economy, we're making it easier for people to live, work, and thrive in the Free State of Florida.”

This annual event has been a popular feature of Florida’s tax policy for years, but in 2025, it’s been expanded to a month-long window, offering families more flexibility, less stress, and meaningful savings during what can often be a financially challenging time of year.

A Statewide Investment in Families

The announcement comes on the heels of Governor DeSantis signing the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, a sweeping financial plan that includes $2 billion in tax relief, the permanent repeal of the Business Rent Tax, and targeted sales tax holidays aimed at reducing everyday expenses for Florida residents.

Specifically, the back-to-school tax relief is part of a $450 million initiative designed to help working families. In addition to traditional school supplies and clothing, the holiday includes a broad array of items crucial for modern learning — from personal computers and accessories to educational tools like flashcards and interactive learning toys.

This kind of tax holiday can go a long way in alleviating the strain on household budgets, especially in a time of rising costs nationwide. According to recent surveys, the average American family spends upwards of $890 on back-to-school shopping per child — a figure that has steadily increased year over year. For Floridians, this holiday could mean hundreds of dollars in direct savings, depending on what’s on their back-to-school shopping list.

What’s Covered? A Comprehensive Breakdown

From tech tools to crayons, the sales tax holiday covers a wide variety of items. Here’s a breakdown of what qualifies — and what doesn’t — under this year’s policy:

Tax-Free Items:

1. Personal Computers and Accessories

Items must be $1,500 or less and purchased for noncommercial home or personal use. Qualifying items include:

• Laptops and desktops

• Tablets and tower computers

• Electronic book readers

• Calculators and handheld computers

Computer accessories also qualify (regardless of whether they are bought with a computer), including:

• Keyboards and mice

• Monitors (without a TV tuner)

• Nonrecreational software

• Routers, modems, and personal digital assistants (PDAs)

2. School Supplies – \$50 or Less Per Item

Perfect for classroom essentials, this category includes:

• Notebooks, paper, folders, and binders

• Writing instruments: pens, pencils, markers, crayons

• Tape, scissors, staplers, glue, and erasers

• Lunch boxes, compasses, rulers, and protractors

3. Clothing, Footwear & Accessories – $100 or Less Per Item

This includes a broad range of apparel and accessories:

• Shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, shorts

• Shoes, boots, and sandals

• Belts, hats, gloves, and scarves

4. Wallets and Bags – $100 or Less Per Item

Approved items:

• Backpacks

• Diaper bags

• Fanny packs

• Handbags

5. Learning Aids and Jigsaw Puzzles – $30 or Less

Designed to support early childhood education:

• Flashcards, matching and memory games

• Puzzle and activity books

• Electronic learning toys and stacking/nesting sets

What’s Not Included?

While the tax holiday is generous, it does come with a few exclusions. These include:

• Cell phones, game consoles, digital media receivers (These don’t qualify under the “personal computers” umbrella.)

• Furniture like desks or computer chairs.

• Items used primarily for recreation — including monitors with a TV tuner or gaming software.

• Briefcases, suitcases, and garment bags

• Sales within entertainment venues, such as theme parks, public lodging establishments, or airports, are not eligible.

For a detailed list, the Florida Department of Revenue encourages residents to visit: http://FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool

Economic Impact & Community Reaction

The Florida Retail Federation has applauded the move, calling the month-long holiday a “win-win for consumers and businesses alike.” Not only does it ease the financial burden on families, but it also encourages local shopping and supports small businesses.

Retailers across the state are preparing for the influx, rolling out additional discounts and promotions to coincide with the tax-free period. Many stores plan to extend their hours and increase staffing to accommodate demand.

For families like the Moraleses of Jacksonville, the holiday is more than a budget boost — it’s a way to stay proactive. “With three kids in school and each needing their own tech, supplies, and clothes, the tax savings really add up,” says Maria Morales. “We usually wait until the last minute, but having all of August makes it less overwhelming.”

Teachers are also expressing gratitude. As out-of-pocket classroom expenses have become a growing concern, many educators take advantage of the sales tax holiday to stock up on supplies. “We end up buying a lot of materials ourselves,” says third-grade teacher Kelsey Franklin of Tallahassee. “It’s nice to know the state recognizes that and is doing something to help.”

DeSantis’ Broader Tax Vision

Governor DeSantis’ economic policies have centered on low taxes, parental empowerment, and small government. Under his leadership, Florida has maintained **a AAA credit rating**, a **low unemployment rate**, and **one of the lowest per-capita tax burdens** in the country.

In a time when national debates around inflation and affordability dominate headlines, Florida’s aggressive tax-relief strategy is being closely watched by other states. DeSantis has consistently framed these moves as essential to Florida’s status as a beacon of economic freedom and opportunity.

“Families shouldn’t have to choose between quality education and financial security,” the Governor stated. “This tax holiday reflects our commitment to both — providing relief where it matters most.”

Tips for Maximizing Your Savings

To make the most of the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, here are a few practical strategies:

1. Plan Ahead: Make a list of everything your family needs — from notebooks to new shoes — and cross-reference it with the state’s qualifying items list.

2. Shop Early (or Late): Avoid the weekend rush by shopping early in the month or on weekday mornings.

3. Take Advantage of Tech Savings: With up to $1,500 in tax-free eligibility, this is a great time to upgrade laptops or tablets.

4. Stack Deals: Combine the sales tax holiday with store promotions, coupons, and loyalty rewards for maximum benefit.

5. Know the Limits: Remember that not every item qualifies. Check prices carefully to ensure each item is under the qualifying threshold.

A Win for the Wallet — and the Classroom

Back-to-school season can be a stressful time for families, but Florida’s 2025 tax holiday is bringing relief, confidence, and a renewed sense of readiness. By giving Floridians a full month to shop tax-free, the DeSantis administration is making it easier than ever to prepare for the year ahead without breaking the bank.

From basic pencils to personal computers, Florida is investing in the tools of education — one receipt at a time.

For more details and a complete list of eligible items, visit: http://FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Stay informed during storms and emergencies with Alert Hollywood. This free notification system sends updates via phone, email, or text about severe weather, police activity, and other urgent events. Register now at www.hollywoodfl.org/725/Alert-Hollywood. Click the Alert Hollywood logo, then select "Sign Up" to get started.

You’ll receive alerts automatically when the National Weather Service issues warnings—just be sure to opt in for weather notifications. Standard text message rates from your carrier may apply.