2023 Florida Sales Tax Holidays Are Here

With prices on just about everything going up, I’m sure we're all looking for ways to save money and the 2023 Florida sales tax holidays have been announced. This year will be even better than the last.

So, what is a sales tax holiday? Well, it's a period of time where states waive their sales tax on certain items. Typically, these items are related to back-to-school shopping, hurricane preparedness, or energy-efficient products. Not every state does this and the states that do might have different dates than others, but they typically happen around certain events:  a new school year, storm season or major holidays. Here in Fort Myers, after Ian, I'm sure we'll need to stock up on supplies we used, so that'll be a nice savings for sure.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "What's the catch?" There's always a catch, right? Actually, there really isn't one! It's a win-win situation for both the consumer and the retailer. You get to save money on the items you need, and the retailer gets to boost their sales during a typically slower time of year.

During a sales tax holiday, you'll be able to purchase items without having to pay the usual sales tax. For example, if you live in Florida, a state with a sales tax rate of 6%, and you purchase back-to-school clothes for your child that cost $100 during a sales tax holiday, you'll save $6. That might not seem like a lot, but say you have 4 kids you're shopping for, those savings can really add up! I like to save money wherever I can, so it definitely helps!

The dates of these tax holidays are subject to change, but according to a press release, here's what we have to look forward to this year.

This is just the first one, with the other being held in January of 2024. With this, you won't have to pay sales tax on clothes, school supplies or personal computers.

The first of two, with the other taking place late August. You'll get sales tax exemption on a variety of storm supplies, household goods, pet food and pet medication. 

This one is great because it lasts a few months. During "Freedom Summer", you'll pay no sales tax on things like movie tickets, tickets to concerts and sporting events, entry to state parks, athletic equipment for kids, pool supplies and gear for boating, fishing and camping. 

Sales tax exemptions over Labor Day Weekend on power tools and work gear like boots, safety equipment, shop lights, toolboxes and belts. 

This sales tax exemption lasts an entire year on indoor gas ranges and stoves, also some energy efficient appliances like refrigerator/freezer units, water heaters, washers and dryers.