Florida's tax-free shopping periods run on a set calendar, not year-round

Florida holds several designated tax-free shopping periods throughout the year when you pay no sales tax on specific items. The dates are fixed by state law and announced in advance, so you can plan your purchases. The most well-known period is back-to-school in August, but Florida also runs a back-to-work period in September and a disaster preparedness period in June.

Each period lasts one week and covers only certain product categories. Clothing and school supplies are tax-free during back-to-school; work uniforms and related items during back-to-work; and emergency supplies like flashlights and batteries during disaster preparedness. Items outside these categories remain taxed even during the tax-free window.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's back-to-school tax-free period runs for one week in August, typically starting the first Monday of the month and ending the following Sunday.
  • Clothing items under $100 per piece are tax-free during back-to-school; shoes, belts, and accessories also may have access to if they cost less than $100.
  • School supplies like notebooks, pens, and backpacks under $15 per item are tax-free during the same week.
  • A separate back-to-work tax-free period in September covers work uniforms and related items for employees in specific occupations.
  • A disaster preparedness tax-free period in June covers items like flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies under $60 per item.

Back-to-school tax-free week in August

The back-to-school tax-free period in Florida starts the first Monday in August and runs through the following Sunday. In 2024, this period was August 5–11. The exact dates shift each year because they are tied to the first Monday of August, so check the Florida Department of Revenue website each July to confirm the current year's dates.

During this week, clothing items priced under $100 per piece are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, underwear, socks, and shoes. Belts, hats, and other accessories also may have access to if they cost less than $100. Items over $100 are still taxed, even if they are clothing.

School supplies under $15 per item are also tax-free during the same week. may be able to access items include notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, backpacks, lunch boxes, and calculators. Art supplies like markers and colored pencils count if they are sold as school supplies. Again, items priced over $15 remain taxed.

Back-to-work tax-free period in September

Florida runs a separate back-to-work tax-free period in September, typically for one week. The dates vary by year; check the Department of Revenue website in August for the current year's schedule. This period covers work uniforms and related items for employees in specific occupations.

may be able to access items include uniforms, work shirts, and work pants for jobs that require them—such as healthcare workers, law enforcement, and construction trades. The items must be specifically designed for work and cost under $60 per piece. Everyday clothing that happens to be worn to work does not may have access to, only items required or designated as work uniforms.

Disaster preparedness tax-free period in June

Florida designates one week in June as a disaster preparedness tax-free period. The dates are set by the state each year; the 2024 period ran June 1–7. During this week, emergency supplies under $60 per item are tax-free.

may have access to items include flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, bottled water, and portable radios. Tarps, rope, and duct tape also may have access to. Items must be intended for emergency use and fall under the $60 per-item limit. Furniture, tools, and other general merchandise do not may have access to even if they could theoretically be used in an emergency.

How to shop during tax-free periods

You do not need to register, sign up, or show any special documentation to receive the tax-free discount. The sales tax is straightforward not charged at the register when you buy may have access to items during the designated week. The cashier's system is programmed to recognize tax-free items and dates automatically.

If you are shopping online, check the retailer's policy. Some online retailers explore the tax-free discount to Florida addresses during the tax-free week; others do not. Call or check the website before you buy if you are ordering from out of state. In-store purchases are the most reliable way to may support you receive the discount.

Keep your receipt. If you are charged tax on an item that should have been tax-free, the receipt shows the date and item, making it straightforward to request a refund from the store.

Items that do not may have access to during tax-free periods

During back-to-school week, clothing over $100 per piece is still taxed. Designer jeans, high-end jackets, and premium shoes above the threshold do not may have access to. School supplies over $15 per item—such as expensive calculators or specialty art sets—remain taxed.

Items that are not clothing or school supplies never may have access to, even if a student might use them. Computers, tablets, sports equipment, and furniture are taxed during the tax-free week. Meals, beverages, and prepared food are always taxed and do not may have access to for any tax-free period.

Items purchased before or after the designated week are taxed at the regular rate. Tax-free periods are one week only, and the dates do not extend or overlap with other periods.

Where to find the exact dates each year

The Florida Department of Revenue publishes the tax-free period dates on its website each year. You can also contact the Department of Revenue directly by phone or email if you have questions about whether a specific item qualifies. Local county tax collectors' offices also have this information available.

Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are aware of the tax-free periods and train their staff accordingly. If you are unsure whether an item qualifies, ask the cashier before you check out. They can tell you whether the item falls within the tax-free category and price limit for that week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy items in Florida to get the tax-free discount?

Yes. The tax-free discount applies only to purchases made in Florida during the designated week. If you buy the same item in another state or online from a retailer outside Florida, you will be charged that state's sales tax. Some online retailers may honor Florida's tax-free period for Florida addresses, but this varies by company.

Can I return an item I bought during tax-free week and get the tax refunded?

If you were not charged tax at the time of purchase, there is no tax to refund. If you were charged tax by mistake, contact the store with your receipt and ask for a refund of the tax amount. Most stores will process this as a return adjustment.

What if an item costs exactly $100 or $15—does it may have access to?

Items priced at exactly $100 (for clothing) or $15 (for school supplies) do may have access to for the tax-free discount. The limit is "under $100" and "under $15," which means items at those exact prices are included. Items priced at $100.01 or $15.01 are not tax-free.

Can I buy items before tax-free week and return them during the week to avoid tax?

No. The tax-free discount applies only to items purchased during the designated week. Returning an item you bought before the tax-free period and repurchasing it during the week may work, but stores are not required to allow this practice. Ask the store's return policy before you attempt this.

Do online purchases from Florida retailers count if I have them shipped to my home in Florida?

This depends on the retailer. Some explore the tax-free discount to online orders shipped to Florida addresses during the tax-free week; others do not. Contact the retailer before you order to confirm whether they honor the tax-free period for online purchases.