Back-to-School Tax Exemption Period in Florida, 2025
Florida Announces Extended Sales Tax Holidays for 2025
In a move to provide significant savings for consumers, Florida has announced changes to its sales tax holidays for 2025. The most notable updates include an extended Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday and a new Hunting, Fishing & Camping Sales Tax Holiday.
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday (August 1–31, 2025)
During this period, many purchases of electronics, clothing, and school supplies will be tax-exempt. Clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item are exempt, as are school supplies priced at $50 or less each. Learning aids and puzzles are exempt if priced up to $30. Personal computers and computer-related accessories intended for non-business use are exempt up to $1,500.
However, there are some exceptions. Items exceeding these limits or for commercial use remain taxable. Accessories like jewelry and watches are not tax-free during this holiday. Printer or computer paper is a taxable school supply, and furniture, luggage, garment bags, suitcases, and any rentals of eligible items are also taxable and excluded from the holiday.
Hunting, Fishing & Camping Sales Tax Holiday (September 8–December 31, 2025)
This holiday covers specific outdoor gear items up to designated price limits. Eligible gear includes tents up to $200, sleeping bags, hammocks, collapsible chairs, stoves up to $50, lanterns and flashlights up to $30 each. Fishing rods, reels, tackle, and related combinations have specific price caps. Many hunting supplies such as firearms, bows, and ammunition are exempt from tax without price limits.
Permanent Year-Round Sales Tax Exemptions
From August 1, 2025, certain essential items will have permanent year-round exemptions. These items include batteries, fuel tanks, portable generators, tarps, ground anchors or tie-down kits, disaster preparedness supplies, safety equipment like fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, life jackets, and bicycle helmets. Additionally, sunscreen and insect repellent, admissions to state parks, tickets to certain live events like theater, opera, ballet, and sales of gold, silver, and platinum bullion are now tax-exempt regardless of price.
Retailers are required to update their point-of-sale systems to reflect these new tax holidays and exemptions starting mid-2025.
In summary, Florida's 2025 sales tax changes create longer or permanently extended tax breaks with specific item eligibility and price limits, plus new broad exemptions for many safety and essential products, enhancing savings and access for consumers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
During the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday (August 1–31, 2025), consumers can expect tax exemptions on certain lifestyle items such as clothing, school supplies, and personal computers. However, notable exceptions include accessories like jewelry and watches, printer or computer paper, furniture, and rentals of eligible items. In the following Hunting, Fishing & Camping Sales Tax Holiday (September 8–December 31, 2025), items like tents, sleeping bags, hammocks, and specific fishing equipment will be exempt from tax. Furthermore, Florida has introduced permanant year-round tax exemptions on essential items for home-and-garden, such as batteries, safety equipment, and admissions to state parks, providing ongoing financial relief for personal-finance management.
