Florida’s back-to-school tax holiday will start this Friday, August 2nd through Tuesday, August 6th – are you ready?
Enjoy the extra two days of savings – the 2018 tax holiday only ran for three days, not 5 like this year!
The Florida Retail Federation calls the tax holiday the state’s second-busiest shopping event behind Black Friday.
(If you don’t live in Florida, here is a list of the tax holidays in all other participating states.)
My boys are in middle and high school (gasp), so back to school shopping takes on a bit of a different vibe than the elementary school days. Gone are the online shopping sprees picking out clothes (uniforms) and school supplies.
My boys each have their own unique style and although they are not fans of shopping (definitely didn’t get retail-loving genes), they want to pick out their clothes. Needless to say it is an interesting time getting them to the store, convincing them that, “Yes you do need to go into the fitting room and try on the clothes”.
Basic tips to make the best of the 5 day “holiday”
It’s not just for students!
People think that since it is called a “back-to-school tax holiday”, you can only purchase items for students. Everyone can get in on the deals!
What items are tax-free?
Select clothing, footwear, and accessories under $60
Examples include wallets, handbags, shoes, shirts, diapers, diaper bags, swim wear, and workout clothing.
Select school supplies under $15
Examples include pens, folders, staplers and staples, glue, and legal pads.
Select personal computers and computer-related accessories under $1,000
Examples include home computers, computer batteries, headphones, portable hard drives, tablets, and keyboards. This is huge because last year a lot of electronics that were included in previous tax-free holidays were excluded. They’re back!
Exclusions
Unfortunately you will not get tax-free savings at Disney World and other theme parks, airports, and hotels.
Interesting included items
While researching for this article, I came across some interesting items that you would not normally associate with back to school. I’m talking about:
- Fishing and hunting vests
- Lingerie (yes, you read that correctly)
- Fanny packs
- Bowling shoes
You can find a full list of all included (and excluded) items here.
Have you completed your back-to-school shopping yet or are you waiting for the back-to-school tax holiday?
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
Wow! How have I never heard of this? I’m a teacher in California and I know my parents could really use the 10% break! How great Florida!
kumamonjeng says
This post has given me an insight into back-to-school tax holiday, we don’t have such a scheme here but it is really good if we have a similar scheme.
alexandra cook says
but that place looks very vibrant to relax and unwind. Looks like you had a great time there!
Pati Robins says
wish we had a scheme like that in the uk! it would help a lot of parents kind regards Pati Robins at style squeeze blog
Kuntala Bhattacharya says
I learned a new thing back to the school tax holiday. In India we dont have such a scheme. But its good in the sense that it would be a great help for the parents. Interesting concept
Bree says
I really appreciate you sharing all this info about what is tax free! This will make shopping a lot better for my family!
Fatima Torres says
One of the perks of waiting a bit until school starts to grab back to school essentials IS Tax-free holiday. Here’s to a successful shopping session this weekend.
Wendy Polisi says
I think this tax holiday is so useful. It comes in handy for those of is who do giveaways as well and need a large amount of supplies.
Joanna Clute says
When I found out about this holiday, I was THRILLED! Especially when I found out what all they included in the tax free dates.
Laura says
This is great info and so useful for people who it effects. Thank you for sharing x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
Crystal Carder says
I always love tax free weeks! It’s so cool that Florida’s includes things like fishing vest and bowling shoes too!
Mudpiefridays says
I love this topic, always gives me a little bit of sense what I need to do and be prepared for. Thanks!
Amy-Lynn Denham says
WOW! What a crazy cool thing. We don’t have tax holidays here in Ontario, but every now and then specific stores will do a “save the tax” discount day. I will say, though, that I love that 200-sheet packs of paper go on for like $0.20 at back to school time. Best time to stock up what I need for my business.
Bindu Thomas says
This makes me feel like going back to school. I love the smell of new stationery.
Samar says
This blog post really helps in preparation.
Thanks for the information.
Arun Dahiya says
Four of my cousins are in school. We didn’t know about this. Checking it right now. The deals are so good . Haha, I am going on a purchase spree with them.
The Moonchasers says
Tax free holidays are just so amazingly cool. Wish we had them in our country too but those out there in Florida must make the best out of this! Great post!
Msddah says
Great information. Thanks for sharing! I will be sure to share it with my Florida based friends.