Florida Sales Tax Holiday Begins July 20 for Back-to-School Shopping
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
FLORIDA — Florida's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is officially underway, giving families a full month to stock up on supplies, clothing, and electronics without paying state sales tax.
The Dates
The holiday began Monday, July 20, and runs through Thursday, August 20 — a full 32-day window for shoppers to take advantage of the savings.
What's Tax-Free
Clothing, footwear, wallets, bags, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, and diaper bags — $100 or less per item
School supplies — $50 or less per item
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles — $30 or less
Personal computers and computer-related accessories — $1,500 or less, for noncommercial home or personal use
What Doesn't Qualify
Briefcases, suitcases, and garment bags are excluded, along with watches, jewelry, umbrellas, skis, roller blades, and skates. Cell phones, video game consoles, and digital media receivers don't qualify either, nor do computers or accessories purchased for commercial use. Purchases made within a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport are also excluded from the tax break.
Why the Dates Changed
This year marks a shift for the holiday — it's now permanently written into state law as a recurring annual event, rather than requiring separate legislative approval each year like it did in the past. Lawmakers moved the dates earlier this year, running the holiday from July 20 through Aug. 20 instead of stretching later into August, specifically so families could combine the state tax break with retailers' own back-to-school sales promotions before the new school year begins.
Why It's Worth Knowing
With a full month to shop and no cap on total spending — just per-item price limits — Wesley Chapel families have plenty of time to stock up on everything from new backpacks to a laptop for the upcoming school year, all without paying Florida's 6% sales tax.
📍 Statewide, including all Wesley Chapel and Tampa Bay retailers
📅 Monday, July 20 – Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026
🌐 floridarevenue.com for the complete list of qualifying items
