Governor Ron DeSantis makes major announcement about Florida’s month-long Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday starting August 1
Florida – As the back-to-school season approaches, Florida families are about to enjoy a major shopping advantage thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis. In a move aimed at providing economic relief, the governor announced today that Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will return for a full month, running from Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 31. The extended shopping window offers families a chance to save on a wide array of essential school supplies and other items, making preparations for the new school year a little more affordable.
Governor DeSantis expressed his pride in delivering this additional sales tax holiday, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on families across the state. “Proud to deliver additional sales tax holidays, including the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that begins on August 1. With the new school year just around the corner, Florida families can save on back-to-school shopping during the tax holiday for the entire month of August,” he stated. “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.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort to provide economic relief to Floridians, particularly in the face of rising costs. Florida has become known for its low tax burden, boasting one of the lowest per-capita tax rates in the nation. In addition, the state holds a AAA credit rating from all major agencies, showcasing its financial stability. Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis signed the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget into law, which included an impressive $2 billion in tax relief for Florida residents. A significant portion of this relief—$450 million—will be delivered through various sales tax holidays aimed at supporting families and households across the state.
The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will offer substantial savings on a wide range of items essential for students. Families can take advantage of the holiday to purchase school supplies, clothing, learning aids, and personal electronics without having to worry about paying sales tax. The holiday includes exemptions for:
• School supplies selling for $50 or less, such as binders, notebooks, pens, pencils, and lunch boxes.
• Clothing, footwear, and apparel priced at $100 or less, including backpacks, pants, shoes, shirts, and sweaters.
• Learning aids selling for $30 or less, such as interactive books, puzzles, and flashcards.
• Personal computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less (for noncommercial home or personal use), including laptops, flash drives, printers, and headphones.
For families looking to make the most of the tax holiday, this month-long event offers a great opportunity to stock up on necessary items. With the savings from these exemptions, families can stretch their back-to-school budgets further and focus on preparing their children for a successful year ahead.
The extended nature of the tax holiday is a notable feature this year, allowing Floridians more time to take advantage of the savings. This longer window for shopping is especially beneficial as families juggle busy schedules and may need more time to shop for school supplies, clothing, and other essentials.
Governor DeSantis also highlighted the state’s fiscal successes, including Florida’s consistently low unemployment rate and its robust credit rating. These factors, he noted, help to support the state’s ongoing commitment to providing tax relief for its residents. The governor’s decision to extend the sales tax holiday is in line with his broader efforts to make life more affordable for Floridians, while also bolstering the state’s economic standing.
For more detailed information about the tax holiday and to view the full list of qualifying items, Floridians can visit the official Florida Revenue website at FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool.
As families prepare for the new school year, this month-long tax holiday offers a timely financial break. With the savings available, parents can focus on getting their children ready for the classroom while enjoying a little extra relief during these challenging times.
