Every year, Floridians look forward to the annual back-to-school sales tax holiday, a perfect opportunity for families and students to stock up on essentials while enjoying significant savings. In 2025, Florida’s tax-free weekend has been expanded to cover the entire month of August, with key retailers focusing on and promoting sales experiences around select weekends, such as starting August 9. Understanding which items are included—and which are not—helps families maximize their savings during this period.
Overview of Eligible Items for Florida’s 2025 Tax-Free Holiday
| Category | Maximum Price per Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing, Footwear, Bags | $100 | Includes wallets, handbags, backpacks, diaper bags, shoes |
| School Supplies | $50 | Binders, calculators, pens, pencils, notebooks, folders |
| Learning Aids & Puzzles | $30 | Educational kits, puzzles |
| Personal Computers & Related | $1,500 | Laptops, desktops, tablets, certain accessories (non-business) |
During this period, these categories of items are exempt from Florida’s usual state sales tax when their sale price falls at or below the maximum limit per eligible item. These limits are enforced on a per-item basis, so shoppers can purchase multiple qualifying goods within a single transaction.
What You Need to Know About the Florida Sales Tax Holiday
The 2025 sales tax holiday in Florida begins August 1 and runs through August 31, providing residents an entire month to take advantage of savings. However, major shopping events and promotions, such as the highly anticipated “Tax-Free Weekend” beginning August 9, draw the biggest crowds. This event is especially helpful for families preparing children for the new school year, as it covers a broad assortment of goods that students and teachers commonly purchase.
Clothing and Accessories
All clothing and footwear items priced at $100 or less each are ticketed for tax-free status. Also included: wallets, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, and diaper bags. Shoppers should note that specialty items such as briefcases, garment bags, umbrellas, and jewelry are excluded from exemption, as these aren’t considered basic apparel or school necessities.
School Supplies
For families with younger children or those heading back to college, school supplies up to $50 each are tax-exempt. Eligible supplies include items like binders, folders, composition books, calculators, pens, pencils, erasers, markers, glue, lunch boxes, and rulers. Learning aids—such as educational kits or jigsaw puzzles—are also included provided each item costs $30 or less.
Computers and Accessories
A notable highlight of this annual event is the inclusion of many technology products. Personal computers (such as laptops, desktops, and tablets) and computer-related accessories (such as monitors, printers, and cables) can enjoy tax-free status if purchased for noncommercial, personal use and if each item’s retail price does not exceed $1,500. However, smartphones, gaming consoles, and items primarily designed to process audio or video content (like digital media receivers) are not included.
Notable Exclusions
Despite the wide coverage, several categories remain taxable, even during the holiday. These exclusions include:
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Clothing priced above $100 per item
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School supplies above $50 per item
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Books that are not otherwise tax-exempt
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Cell phones, video game consoles, and digital media players
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Items intended for business or commercial use
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Rentals, repairs, or alterations of eligible merchandise
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Items purchased at theme parks, public lodging, or airports
Individuals planning substantial purchases, such as outfitting an entire classroom or upgrading student technology, should pay close attention to these restrictions to avoid unplanned expenses.
Shopping Tips for Maximizing Your Savings
To fully benefit from the tax-free weekend, strategize ahead of time. Many retailers offer back-to-school promotions, coupons, and additional markdowns on top of the state sales tax exemption. Compare prices before the holiday and prepare a shopping list based on the needs of your family or classroom.
Check whether any local taxes may still apply, as some cities and counties may not participate fully—or may have particular exclusions. Always verify the final price at checkout, and be mindful that tax will be added to any items that exceed the stated price caps, even if bundled with other qualifying purchases.
Why the Tax-Free Holiday Matters
For many Florida families, the cost of preparing for a new school year can add up quickly—from replacing outgrown clothing to investing in new laptops for remote learning. By suspending state sales tax on a lengthy list of essentials, Florida’s tax-free holiday puts real money back into the hands of consumers, making back-to-school shopping less stressful and more affordable.
With this year’s event stretching through the full month of August and key weekends like August 9-10 expected to be especially busy, families across the state are poised to maximize savings and start the academic year off right. Whether you’re shopping for one student or an entire classroom, understanding which items are included can translate to substantial financial benefits. Plan ahead, shop smart, and take advantage of Florida’s generous tax-free back-to-school holiday.
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