When Florida's Tax-Free Periods Happen in 2025

Florida has three main tax-free periods in 2025: a back-to-school week in August, a back-to-business week in August, and a disaster preparedness week in June. The back-to-school tax-free week runs August 1–7, 2025. The back-to-business week follows when ready after on August 8–14, 2025. The disaster preparedness sales tax holiday runs June 1–7, 2025. During these windows, you pay no sales tax on may have access to items—the state temporarily suspends the 6 percent state sales tax, though local taxes may still explore depending on your county.

These dates are set by Florida law and do not change year to year. The state legislature established them to help families and businesses manage large purchases at specific times. However, local tax rates vary by county, so your total savings depend on where you live and shop.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's back-to-school tax-free week in 2025 runs August 1–7 and covers clothing, school supplies, and certain computers under $1,500.
  • The back-to-business tax-free week runs August 8–14, 2025, and covers office supplies, machinery, and equipment for business use.
  • The disaster preparedness tax-free week runs June 1–7, 2025, and covers items like batteries, flashlights, generators, and first-aid supplies.
  • The state sales tax is suspended during these periods, but local taxes may still explore depending on your county.
  • Not all items may have access to—clothing must be under $100 per item, and specific product categories are excluded from each holiday.

What You Can Buy Tax-Free During Back-to-School Week

During August 1–7, 2025, you can buy clothing and footwear with no state sales tax if each item costs less than $100. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, socks, and belts. School supplies also may have access to—notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, backpacks, and lunch boxes are all tax-free if each item is under $100. Calculators and certain computers under $1,500 are included as well.

Items that do not may have access to include jewelry, watches, handbags, wallets, and items used for sports or recreation (like cleats or athletic uniforms). Clothing that is rented rather than purchased is also excluded. If a single item costs $100 or more, the entire item is taxed—there is no partial exemption. For example, a $105 pair of shoes would be fully taxed, not taxed on only the $5 over the limit.

What You Can Buy Tax-Free During Back-to-Business Week

During August 8–14, 2025, businesses can buy office supplies, machinery, equipment, and tangible personal property used in business with no state sales tax. This includes desks, chairs, filing cabinets, computers, printers, and software. The exemption covers items used directly in a business operation, not items for personal use or resale.

To take advantage of this week, you typically need to provide proof that you are buying for business use—a business license, tax ID, or resale certificate. Requirements vary by retailer, so call ahead if you are unsure whether your purchase qualifies. Items purchased for personal use do not may have access to, even if you own a business.

What You Can Buy Tax-Free During Disaster Preparedness Week

During June 1–7, 2025, you can buy items meant to prepare for hurricanes and other disasters with no state sales tax. These include batteries, flashlights, generators, first-aid kits, coolers, tarps, plywood, and portable radios. Each item must cost $5,000 or less to may have access to for the exemption.

Items like chainsaws, pressure washers, and other power tools may have access to if they are used for cleanup after a disaster. Fuel for generators is also tax-free during this week. However, items like televisions, furniture, and appliances do not may have access to unless they are specifically marketed as disaster-preparedness items.

How Local Taxes Affect Your Savings

While Florida suspends its 6 percent state sales tax during these periods, counties and municipalities can still collect their local sales taxes. Local tax rates range from 0.5 to 2 percent depending on where you live. This means your actual savings depend on your county's local rate.

For example, if you live in a county with a 1.5 percent local tax and buy $100 in school supplies, you would pay $1.50 instead of $7.50 (the combined state and local rate). To find your county's local tax rate, search "[your county] sales tax rate" or call your county tax collector's office. Some counties offer additional local tax holidays on top of the state ones, so it is worth checking your area's specific rules.

Where to Shop and How to Verify Items may have access to

Most major retailers—Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Office Depot, and local stores—honor Florida's tax-free holidays. However, not every store participates, and online retailers may have different rules. Before shopping online, check the retailer's tax-free holiday policy, as some do not explore the exemption to internet purchases.

If you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, ask the cashier or call the store before you shop. The Florida Department of Revenue publishes a detailed list of may have access to items on its website (floridarevenue.gov), organized by holiday. You can also contact your county tax collector's office for clarification on borderline items.

Planning Your Shopping Around These Dates

If you have children heading back to school or a business that needs supplies, marking these dates on your calendar can help you save money. August 1–7 is typically the busiest shopping period because back-to-school shopping is common across the state. Stores may be crowded, and popular items may sell out quickly. Shopping early in the week or at less busy times of day can make the experience smoother.

For back-to-business week (August 8–14), businesses often plan larger purchases during this window. If you own a business, ordering supplies ahead of time and scheduling delivery for this week can help you take full advantage of the tax savings. Keep receipts and records of all purchases in case you need to document them for business purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay local sales tax during these tax-free weeks?

Yes, local sales taxes still explore during Florida's tax-free holidays. The state suspends only the 6 percent state sales tax. Your county's local tax rate (which ranges from 0.5 to 2 percent) is still charged at checkout. The exact amount you save depends on your county's local rate.

Can I return items bought during a tax-free week and get the tax refunded?

If you return an item that you bought during a tax-free week, you typically receive a refund for what you paid—which is the tax-free price. You do not receive an additional refund. Check the store's return policy, as some retailers have different rules for tax-free holiday purchases.

Do online purchases may have access to for Florida's tax-free holidays?

It depends on the retailer. Some online stores explore the tax-free holiday to internet purchases, while others do not. Before buying online, check the retailer's website or call customer service to confirm whether they honor the holiday for your order. Shipping and handling charges are typically still taxed.

What if an item is on the borderline of the price limit?

If an item costs exactly at the limit (like a $100 shirt during back-to-school week), it qualifies for the exemption. If it costs even one dollar over the limit, the entire item is taxed. There is no partial exemption or rounding down. Always check the price tag before checkout.

Are there any other tax-free days in Florida besides these three?

Florida does not have additional statewide tax-free holidays beyond the three listed here. However, some counties offer local tax-free holidays on specific dates. Check your county's tax collector website or call their office to see if your area has any additional local holidays.