Summer sales tax holiday continues through Labor Day Weekend

This week, Gov. Ron DeSantis reminded residents about the Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday, which began on Memorial Day and will run through Labor Day weekend. The sales tax holiday was part of the “Framework for Freedom” budget. It is estimated to save Florida families nearly $230 million over the course of the summer.

Items included in the Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday are:

• Outdoor recreation purchases such as supplies for camping, fishing and general outdoor activities, including kayaks and canoes.
• Boating and water activity supplies such as life jackets, coolers and pool floats.
• Tickets for museums and events such as concerts, fairs, sporting events and theater productions.
• Entry to state parks, including annual passes.
• Children’s toys.
• Children’s athletic equipment.

Last year, DeSantis proposed and signed a “Freedom Week” sales tax holiday on summer recreation items as part of the “Freedom First” budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23. This year, he proposed and signed an expansion of the sales tax holiday.

The tax holiday is part of Florida’s $2.7 billion tax cut that DeSantis approved in the “Framework for Freedom” budget.

Also included in the budget is a permanent sales tax exemption for baby and toddler items such as diapers, baby wipes, cribs and strollers.

Additionally, DeSantis signed a one-year sales tax exemption for gas stoves to help families purchase new appliances.