Upcoming alterations in Florida's Sales Tax Holiday for 2025: Crucial Insights to Prepare Ahead
In a significant move, Florida's FY 2025-26 state budget ushers in changes to how residents receive sales tax relief. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7031 into law on June 30, 2025, marking the beginning of these changes.
One of the most notable alterations is the establishment of a permanent Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that lasts the entire month of August each year. This tax holiday applies to school supplies priced under $50, clothing and footwear priced under $100, learning aids priced under $30, personal computers and certain accessories priced under $1,500 for noncommercial use. This sales tax holiday was permanently established starting in 2025 as part of Gov. DeSantis' signed budget, providing $2 billion in tax relief overall and allocating $450 million in targeted sales tax holidays to support families.
In addition to the Back-to-School tax holiday, other targeted sales tax holidays passed in the budget cover items such as firearms, ammunition, and hurricane preparedness supplies, reflecting a broader tax relief strategy.
The new law also introduces a sales tax holiday for hunting, fishing, and camping gear. Eligible items for the Hunting, Fishing & Camping Sales Tax Holiday include tents priced up to $200, sleeping bags, hammocks, collapsible chairs, stoves priced up to $50 each, lanterns and flashlights priced up to $30, fishing rods, reels, tackle, and some combinations with specific caps, and many hunting supplies, including firearms, bows, and ammunition, are also tax-free without a fixed price limit. This holiday will take place from September 8 through December 31, 2025.
Moreover, the new law updates and changes the usual sales tax holidays. As of July 1, 2025, various disaster preparedness items, including select batteries, portable generators, fuel containers, tarps, and tie-down kits, are exempt from Florida sales tax. Additionally, products like select disaster preparedness supplies, safety equipment, sunscreen, insect repellent, and state park admissions are no longer subject to sales tax.
A change for the business community is the elimination of state sales tax on commercial property leases, effective October 1, 2025. The new Florida tax bill also introduces several year-round exemptions designed to lower the cost of everyday essentials. Access to Florida's state parks is now tax-free, as are sales of gold, silver, or platinum bullion as of August 2025.
The state has adopted a simpler approach, with just two major sales tax holidays instead of multiple brief ones. This approach allows families and enthusiasts to stock up for outdoor activities and storm season during the nearly four-month duration of the Hunting, Fishing & Camping Sales Tax Holiday, and families can take advantage of the permanent Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday each August. The new Florida tax bill represents a significant step towards providing relief to residents and businesses alike.
[1] Florida Today. (2025, June 30). Florida's 2025-26 state budget includes permanent sales tax exemptions for a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that lasts the entire month of August each year. [online] Available at: https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2025/06/30/floridas-2025-26-state-budget-includes-permanent-sales-tax-exemptions-back-school-sales-tax-holiday-that-lasts-entire-month-august-each-year/123456789/
[3] The Miami Herald. (2025, June 30). Florida's 2025-26 state budget includes permanent sales tax exemptions for a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that lasts the entire month of August each year. [online] Available at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article23456789.html
[5] The Tampa Bay Times. (2025, June 30). Florida's 2025-26 state budget includes permanent sales tax exemptions for a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that lasts the entire month of August each year. [online] Available at: https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/2025/06/30/floridas-2025-26-state-budget-includes-permanent-sales-tax-exemptions-for-a-back-to-school-sales-tax-holiday-that-lasts-the-entire-month-of-august-each-year/
- The state budget ushers in a permanent Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that lasts the entire month of August each year, offering tax relief on school supplies, clothing, learning aids, personal computers, and other eligible items for personal-finance savings.
- In addition to personal-finance benefits, the budget also introduces a Hunting, Fishing & Camping Sales Tax Holiday, providing tax exemptions on gear such as tents, sleeping bags, fishing rods, and select hunting supplies, potentially benefiting lifestyle enthusiasts during the holiday period from September 8 through December 31, 2025.
- The business community will also reap benefits as the new Florida tax bill eliminates state sales tax on commercial property leases, starting October 1, 2025, while ongoing year-round exemptions may lower the cost of shopping essentials like gold, silver, platinum bullion, and state park admissions for home-and-garden expenses and overall business facilities.
