JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday begins Monday, meaning shoppers won’t pay sales tax on most of the things found on a student’s supply list.
The start of another school year is not far away. As parents and students get ready, the sales tax holiday is kicking in.
Florida families are expected to save about $100 million between this Monday, July 25, to Sunday, Aug. 7, according to research group Florida TaxWatch.
Here’s where the savings happen:
- Clothing and shoes selling for $100 or less
- School supplies that cost $50 or less
- Learning aids — like books, flashcards and puzzles — under $30
- Computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less
A sales-tax exemption for children’s books (children ages 12 or younger) started in May and will continue through Aug. 14.
Local families can download the Walmart app, locate their student’s school and find the supplies list for an easy shopping experience — just type in the child’s school city, state or ZIP code and the name of the school.
The back-to-school sales tax holiday is part of a broader $800 million tax package that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed in May.
While the tax holiday savings aren’t huge, they offer some relief to families already feeling the pinch of record-high inflation.
Thirty-seven percent of back-to-school shoppers plan to spend more this year over last year despite the fact that 1 in 3 households say they are in a worse financial situation than last year and plan to cut back in other areas.
Parents with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $864, topping the previous record by $15. Compare that to 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, and shoppers are expected to spend $168 more on average.
Inflation and supply chain issues are a big part of that. Inflation rose to a record 9.1% last month, and school supplies specifically are up 8%. One example: A box of tissues is about 50 cents more expensive than it was a year ago.
Check out the document below to see a full list of eligible items during this year’s back-to-school tax holiday in Florida or click here.