Florida 2016 Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday Set

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Parents and frugal shoppers who don’t want to pay sales taxes on some purchases have a few dates to add to their calendars. Gov. Rick Scott officially signed legislation Wednesday that sets the state’s back-to-school tax holiday for 2016.

While Scott initially proposed a 10-day sales tax holiday like the one approved in 2015, legislators only put forth three days in the bill that ultimately became law on Wednesday. The dates for this year’s holiday are Aug. 5-7.

There are some other changes in this year’s legislation consumers need to be aware of. Computer equipment is not included in the measure for 2016 as it has been in years past. In addition, tax exemptions only apply to clothing items that cost $60 or less. Last year, the exemptions were good on clothing items that cost up to $100. School supplies that cost $15 or less are included in the 2016 measure, as well.

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.

“By signing the tax package today, Governor Scott ensured that millions of Florida families will continue to experience needed tax relief as they purchase vital supplies for their children to prepare them for the upcoming school year,” Miller said in a media release issued after the bill received Scott’s signature. “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.”

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