Extended Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Passes in Senate

Back-to-school shoppers won’t have to scramble so much to take advantage of Florida’s sales tax holiday if a measure that passed the Florida Senate makes it past two more hurdles.

Instead of a three-day sales tax holiday this year, lawmakers are pitching a 10-day tax-exempt marathon. The extended sales tax holiday is one component in an overall $400 million tax relief package passed by the Senate Monday. That package also includes lower cellphone and television taxes, a one-year exemption from sales taxes on college textbooks and taxes on vehicle purchases made overseas by returning military service members and their families.

“This tax package incorporates the ideas, suggestions and feedback from lawmakers who have listened to their constituents and worked hard to incorporate their ideas,” Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, was quoted in a media release as saying. “For this reason, instead of a 3-day Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, families will have a full 10 days to shop tax free as they prepare for the next school year and college students will have a full year of savings through an elimination of the sales tax on text books and instructional materials.”

The tax package is expected to go to the House this week before landing on Gov. Rick Scott’s desk for approval. If the package gets a green light, this year’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will begin Aug. 7. Items that cost $100 or less, including clothing, footwear, wallets and bags will be included. Basic school supplies that cost $15 or less will also be tax exempt during the 10-day period. In addition, the first $750 of the sales price for personal computers and related accessories for personal use will be tax free.

Image via Shutterstock