Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Florida will have a second sales tax holiday for back-to-school items for the first time ever. From January 1-14, 2024, you won’t have to pay sales tax on items such as clothing, school supplies, or shoes. It even includes bigger purchases like laptops and computers and computer-related items (think printers, a wireless mouse, etc.). There are some exemptions so be sure to see my note below or visit floridarevenue.com for more info.

So frugal readers, how can you make the most of this sales tax holiday? Use those gift cards you got for Christmas! If you received a gift card for Christmas and happen to need some new clothes or shoes, this is the perfect chance to save some money. There is a misconception that the back-to-school sales tax holiday only applies to school-aged children and teens. However, that is not the case. All retailers have to waive the sales tax on school supplies, clothing, shoes, and other items such as learning aids (think stacking blocks for toddlers, flashcards, and puzzles) unless they meet very specific criteria and opt out in writing with the Florida Department of Revenue.

Now is the perfect time to reevaluate your child’s needs for things such as a new backpack or new shoes. Remember back in August when this frugal teacher encouraged you to maybe hold off on buying your kid a new backpack if last year’s backpack was still in decent shape? That advice was given knowing that this brand new January sales tax holiday would give you another mid-year opportunity to buy school supplies. Most parents know that Christmas break is the official halfway point in the school year. Most children will need at least a few items to restock their backpacks like notebook paper, pencils, and maybe binders or folders that have worn out. Well now is your chance to buy those items without having to pay tax - so take advantage!

Here are my favorite items to buy that you won’t have to pay sales tax on during the 2 week tax holiday: puzzle books and search-and-find books, hair accessories, backpacks, lunch boxes, youth-sized bike helmets, undergarments like bras and underwear, jeans, jackets, shirts, shoes, pajamas, socks, calculators, school supplies like paper, crayons, glue sticks, and pencils, flash drives, a wireless mouse, earbuds, and printer ink. I hope you take advantage of this 2 week sales tax holiday.

*Exemptions:

Clothing items and shoes cannot be priced at more than $100 for an item.

Learning aids and puzzles cannot be more than $30 for an item.

School supplies cannot be more than $50 for an item.

Computers, laptops, and computer-related items cannot be more than $1500.

Click here for more info https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_23A01-06.pdf