Florida Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Starts Monday January 1st

"Another One." Before you rush off to the stores to spend those gift cards you got for Christmas, check this list first. The state of Florida has another back to school sales tax holiday, and it starts on New Years Day.

So what can you buy tax free? According to the Florida Department of Revenue "certain clothing, footwear, and accessories with a sales price $100 or less per item, certain school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item, learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less, and personal computers and related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use with a sales price of $1,500 or less, are exempt from sales tax.

Although, you'll need to check their hours, most stores are open on New Years Day. And there's an added bonus you may overlook. The sales tax holiday applies to online shopping as well.

Now even if you don't have kids, this is the perfect time to pick up a new laptop, tablet, or accessories. It's also a great time to do some clothes or shoes shopping, provided the item is under $100. One thing to note, the "bags" listing also applies to more than just backpacks. It also includes diaper bags and if you're a fan of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, you'll be happy to know that starting Monday you can buy a fanny pack - tax free. 

New Year's Eve is next week already and if you're looking for a place to celebrate, there's 5 places in Fort Myers perfect to ring in the new year.

I don't know where this year has gone. Especially the last few months, they have just flown by for me. Maybe it's because here in Fort Myers, with the weather unchanging that it's all a blur when one season runs right into the next. Or maybe life is just busy enough that time goes by in the blink of an eye.

There are so many ways to celebrate the end of one year and the start of a new one. My pup Rocket, is NOT a fan of loud noises. Since I've had him, I make sure I'm home at midnight when the fireworks go off. At most, I've gone out to dinner on New Year's Eve. But in recent years, I have people over. We enjoy a good time with food, drinks, games and watching the countdown on TV. It's always a great time spent with loved ones and a great way to usher in the beginning of a new year.

But maybe you're looking to get dressed up and hit the town. Champagne toasts, dancing, fireworks..there's lots of fun to be had. And if you're looking for a great place to celebrate in Fort Myers, thanks to News-Press, here's a few you're destined to have a good time at. For the full list and for celebrations in other SWFL cities, click here. Now all you need to do is show up ready to party.

Talk about a great place to ring in the new year- on the beach! And it's FREE. There will be live music by Chasing Denver and The Guilty Pleasure Band in Bayside Park starting at 4pm. Then a midnight ball drop and fireworks in the Times Square area.

This will be a huge, FREE outdoor party with DJ's, live music from Smack Daddy, Xitone11 Band and The Patina Turners. At midnight, a ball drop and fireworks.

The rooftop at the Davis Art Center is such a vibe. To ring in the new year, they'll have a champagne toast, open bar, hors d'oeuvres, live music and of course, great views of the downtown fireworks. Tickets start at $222, with VIP tables starting at $600.

Starting 2024 on a boat sounds like a blast! This will be a 3 1/2 hour cruise that includes dinner, dancing, party favors and a champagne toast. Tickets start at $117. Find more info at jccruises.com

This is a true Florida style party on the pool deck at Luminary. There will be food stations, a champagne toast, entertainment and great views of the downtown fireworks. Tickets at $149.