TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that would add another tax holiday to the state’s tax relief package, and renew and extend two existing tax holidays.
At a Friday press conference at a Home Depot in Pensacola, the governor discussed the new tax holiday, “Freedom Week,” and Florida’s annual back-to-school and disaster preparedness sales tax holidays. Florida lawmakers approved HB 7061, a tax relief package including the holidays, at the end of their 60-day legislative session.
“In Florida, we are providing more than $168 million in taxpayer savings for families and businesses,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I’m proud that we have legislative leaders like Senate President Wilton Simpson, Speaker Chris Sprowls, Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, and Representative Bobby Payne who understand that we empower Floridians through tax cuts – not increases. From sales tax holidays to permanent tax exemptions helping seniors live independently, I am committed to continuing to reduce the tax burden for all residents of our state.”
Freedom Week
During Freedom Week, items such as concert and movie tickets and tickets to state parks will be tax-free. Outdoor supplies like camping gear and other items will also be exempt from sales tax.
The new tax holiday runs from Thursday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 7.
School tax holiday
The annual back-to-school tax holiday was extended to 10 days, from July 31 through Aug. 9.
Clothing, footwear, and backpacks costing $60 or less, school supplies costing $15 or less, and the first $1,000 of personal computers or personal computer-related accessories will be tax-free.
Disaster preparedness sales tax holiday
The disaster preparedness sales tax holiday was extended from seven to 10 days, from May 28 through June 6.
Tax-free items include flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less; radios costing $50 or less; tarps costing $100 or less, coolers costing $60 or less, batteries costing $50 or less; and, generators costing $1,000 or less.
“I was honored to join Governor DeSantis this morning in Pensacola to highlight the hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday, just in time for hurricane season,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “With NOAA recently predicting an above-normal season, it is important now more than ever that Floridians take advantage of this tax holiday to ensure they are prepared. A huge thank you to Governor DeSantis and the Legislature for making it easier for Florida families to purchase critical hurricane supplies to ensure our communities are safe this hurricane season. I encourage all Floridians to take advantage of this great sales tax holiday to make sure your family, home, and your property is protected.”