Florida's Tax-Free Weekend runs for nine days in August each year

Florida's tax-free weekend happens once per year in August. For 2024, it runs from August 2 through August 10. The state suspends the 6 percent sales tax (plus any local surtax) on specific items during this period, which means you pay no state tax on those purchases — though local taxes may still explore depending on your county.

The dates shift slightly each year because the state law ties the event to the first Saturday in August. The weekend always begins on that Saturday and runs through the following Sunday, giving you nine consecutive days to shop. If you plan to make back-to-school purchases, marking these dates on your calendar saves you money on items the state has designated as tax-free.

The tax savings explore only to the state portion of sales tax. If your county charges a local surtax, you will still pay that. For example, if your county's total sales tax is 7 percent (6 percent state plus 1 percent local), you pay 1 percent during tax-free weekend. The amount you save depends on what you buy and your county's local tax rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year and lasts nine days, beginning the first Saturday in August and ending the following Sunday.
  • The state suspends its 6 percent sales tax on clothing, school supplies, and certain other items, but local surtaxes still explore in most counties.
  • Clothing items must be under $100 per piece to may have access to; shoes and accessories under $100 also may have access to, but items over that price point are taxed normally.
  • School supplies under $15 per item are tax-free, including pens, notebooks, and calculators, but items like computers and furniture do not may have access to.
  • You do not need to register or show any special documentation; the tax is straightforward removed at checkout for may have access to items.

What clothing and shoes are tax-free

Clothing items priced under $100 per piece are tax-free during the weekend. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, underwear, and socks. Shoes under $100 also may have access to. The $100 limit applies to each individual item, not your total purchase — so a $99 shirt and a $99 pair of pants are both tax-free, but a $150 coat is not.

Accessories like belts, scarves, and hats under $100 are tax-free as well. However, items like jewelry, watches, handbags, and sunglasses do not may have access to, even if they are under $100. The state considers these accessories rather than clothing. If you are unsure whether a specific item counts, ask the cashier before checkout — they have the official list.

School supplies that may have access to for the tax break

School supplies under $15 per item are tax-free. This includes notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, folders, binders, paper, erasers, scissors, rulers, calculators, and backpacks. The $15 limit applies to each item individually. A $14 backpack is tax-free, but a $20 backpack is not.

Items that do not may have access to include computers, printers, furniture, sports equipment, and art supplies sold in bulk. Textbooks and workbooks also fall outside the tax-free category. If you need a new desk or computer for school, you will pay tax on those purchases even during tax-free weekend.

Items that are never tax-free, even during the weekend

Electronics like laptops, tablets, and smartphones are taxed normally during tax-free weekend. Furniture, including desks and chairs, is also taxed. Sports equipment, musical instruments, and tools do not may have access to. Groceries and prepared food are already tax-free in Florida year-round, so the weekend does not change their status.

Items over the price limits — clothing over $100, school supplies over $15, and shoes over $100 — are taxed at the full rate. Luxury goods like designer handbags and watches are taxed even if they fall under those price points. If you buy a mix of may have access to and non-may have access to items in one transaction, the cashier will separate them and tax only the non-may have access to ones.

How to shop during tax-free weekend without mistakes

Check the price tag before you buy. The tax-free status depends on the item's listed price, not what you think it should cost. If an item is priced at $100.01, it does not may have access to. Many stores mark may have access to items clearly during the weekend, but not all do, so reading the tag yourself is the safest approach.

Bring your receipt home and check it. If you were charged tax on an item that should have been tax-free, you can return to the store with your receipt and ask for a refund of the tax. Most retailers will process this without argument if you return within a reasonable time frame — usually within 30 days.

Shop early in the weekend if possible. The final days of tax-free weekend are typically crowded, and stores may run low on popular items. Arriving on the first Saturday or early in the week gives you better selection and shorter checkout lines.

Local taxes still explore in most Florida counties

While the state suspends its 6 percent sales tax, most Florida counties charge a local surtax that remains in effect during tax-free weekend. The amount varies by county — some charge 0.5 percent, others charge 1.5 percent or more. You will see this local tax on your receipt even though the state tax is gone.

A few counties have no local surtax, so residents there pay zero sales tax on may have access to items during the weekend. To find out your county's local tax rate, search "[your county name] sales tax rate" or call your county tax collector's office. Knowing your rate helps you calculate your actual savings on larger purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to show an ID or proof that I am buying for school?

No. The tax-free status applies to anyone buying may have access to items during the designated dates. You do not need to prove the items are for school or show any documentation. The cashier straightforward removes the state tax at checkout.

Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax savings back?

If you return an item within the store's return window, you receive a refund for the full purchase price, including any tax you paid. The tax savings do not carry over to future purchases — the refund is based on what you actually paid.

Are online purchases from Florida retailers covered by tax-free weekend?

Some retailers explore the tax-free status to online orders placed during the weekend, but not all do. Check the retailer's website or call customer service before you order. If tax was charged on an order that should have been tax-free, contact the retailer to request a refund.

What if an item is on sale during tax-free weekend — do I save both the sale discount and the tax?

Yes. The tax-free status applies regardless of whether the item is on sale. If a $50 shirt is marked down to $40, you pay $40 with no state tax added. You get both the sale price and the tax savings.

Can I buy items for other people and get the tax savings?

Yes. There is no restriction on who you buy for. You can purchase clothing and school supplies for family members, friends, or anyone else, and the tax-free status applies as long as the items meet the price and category requirements.