Florida Sales Tax Holiday 2016: What You Need to Know

TAMPA BAY, FL — Tampa Bay area parents eager to get their back-to-school shopping out of the way without having to pay sales taxes on top of sticker prices don’t have much longer to wait. The annual reprieve from taxes begins Friday and runs through Sunday.

The Florida Legislature approved the three-day tax break earlier this year for Aug. 5-7. Gov. Rick Scott initially requested a 10-day reprieve like the one approved in 2015, but state lawmakers opted for the three days instead.

Aside from the number of days shoppers can buy certain items without having sales tax rung up at the register, there are a few other changes to this year’s holiday consumers need to know about. They include:

• Computer equipment – This year’s bill did not include a tax break on the purchase of computers and related equipment. That means purchases of laptops, printers, PCs and other related gear will require a sales tax payment.
• Clothing purchase changes – Clothing, such as socks, shoes, pants and blouses are included in this year’s holiday. Parents will notice, however, that the $100 item limit has been reduced to $60. So, if the kids have their hearts set on pricier brand names, parents should be prepared to shell out sales tax at the register.
• School supplies – The bill exempts any school supply that costs $15 or less from taxing during the holiday. This covers the basics, such as pens, pencils, paper, folders and so on. Supplies that cost more, however, will have taxes added on at the register.

The holiday also does not apply to rentals or leases on any covered items or repairs or alterations made to items on the exempt list.

Though the sales tax reprieve isn’t as much as it has been in previous years, Randy Miller, president of the Florida Retail Federation, says it’s still a win for Florida families. Back when Scott signed the bill, Miller called it a win for millions of Florida families.

"We look forward to the savings that consumers will enjoy and the increased sales for retailers during the anticipated back-to-school sales tax holiday shopping weekend," Miller said.

The tax-free spree starts at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends promptly at 11:59 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit the Florida Department of Revenue online.

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