Sales Tax Holidays and Exemptions for Tallahassee

Sales tax holidays in Florida offer residents the opportunity to purchase specific items without paying sales tax, leading to significant savings. These periods are especially beneficial for families preparing for the school year, individuals gearing up for outdoor activities, and professionals needing tools for their trades. Here’s an overview of the sales tax holidays relevant to Tallahassee, Florida:

1. Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

  • Dates: July 29 through August 11, 2024.
  • Eligible Items:
    • Clothing, Footwear, and Accessories: Items priced at $100 or less per item, including belts, handbags, and wallets.
    • School Supplies: Items priced at $50 or less per item, such as notebooks, pens, and backpacks.
    • Personal Computers and Accessories: For non-commercial use, items priced at $1,500 or less, including laptops, tablets, keyboards, and printers.

Note: The exemption applies to each eligible item separately, allowing for multiple qualifying purchases.

2. Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday

  • Dates: July 1 through July 7, 2024.
  • Eligible Items:
    • Admissions: Tickets purchased during this period for events occurring from July 1 through December 31, 2024, including live music, sporting events, movies, museums, and state parks.
    • Outdoor Activity Supplies:
      • Boating and Water Activity Supplies: Life jackets, coolers, paddles, and oars priced at $75 or less; safety flares priced at $50 or less.
      • Camping Supplies: Tents priced at $200 or less; sleeping bags, portable hammocks, and camping stoves priced at $50 or less.
      • Fishing Supplies: Rods and reels priced at $75 or less; tackle boxes priced at $30 or less.
      • General Outdoor Supplies: Sunscreen and insect repellent priced at $15 or less; sunglasses priced at $100 or less; bicycles priced at $250 or less.

Note: The exemption applies to the first $75 of the sales price for boating and water activity supplies and the first $50 for camping supplies.

3. Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

  • Dates: June 1 through June 14, 2024, and August 24 through September 6, 2024.
  • Eligible Items:
    • Portable Generators: Priced at $1,000 or less.
    • Tarps and Tie-Down Kits: Priced at $100 or less.
    • Batteries: Priced at $50 or less, including AA, AAA, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, and 9-volt.
    • Coolers and Ice Packs: Non-electric food storage coolers priced at $30 or less; reusable ice packs priced at $10 or less.
    • Flashlights and Lanterns: Priced at $20 or less.

Note: These items are essential for hurricane preparedness, and purchasing them during the tax holiday can lead to substantial savings.

4. Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday

  • Dates: September 1 through September 7, 2024.
  • Eligible Items:
    • Hand Tools: Priced at $50 or less per item.
    • Power Tools: Priced at $300 or less per item.
    • Safety Equipment: Work gloves priced at $25 or less; safety glasses priced at $50 or less.
    • Toolboxes and Tool Bags: Priced at $75 or less.
    • Work Boots: Priced at $175 or less per pair.

Note: This holiday is ideal for professionals and DIY enthusiasts looking to upgrade or replace their tools and equipment.

Benefits of Sales Tax Holidays

Participating in these sales tax holidays allows consumers to save money on essential items, making it easier to prepare for the school year, enjoy recreational activities, ensure disaster readiness, and acquire necessary tools for work or home projects. By planning purchases around these dates, Tallahassee residents can maximize their savings and make informed buying decisions.

For more detailed information and updates, visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s Sales Tax Holidays and Exemption Periods page.

Unusual things you can buy during sales tax holidays

Sales tax holidays are a great opportunity to save money, but beyond the obvious items like school supplies and hurricane preparedness gear, there are some unusual or lesser-known items that also qualify for tax-free shopping. Here are some surprising things you can buy during Florida’s sales tax holidays:


1. Sunglasses and Sunscreen

When: Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: While these might not seem like tax-free items, sunglasses (up to $100) and sunscreen (up to $15) qualify during this holiday as part of outdoor activity supplies. It’s a great excuse to stock up on UV protection for the summer.


2. Bicycles

When: Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Tax-free bicycles priced at $250 or less aren’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sales tax holidays. This deal makes it easier to invest in eco-friendly transportation or a new hobby.


3. Camping Tents

When: Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Tents (up to $200) qualify under the outdoor activity category. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking to plan a fun backyard adventure, this is the time to buy.


4. Portable Generators

When: Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Generators priced at $1,000 or less are included, making this an excellent time to invest in a larger item that can be a lifesaver during hurricane season.


5. Boating Gear

When: Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Items like paddles, life jackets (up to $75), and safety flares (up to $50) qualify. If you’ve been putting off buying gear for your kayaking or boating trips, this is the perfect opportunity.


6. Work Boots

When: Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Work boots (up to $175) are included as part of the tool-related tax-free items. This is particularly useful for professionals who need durable footwear but may not expect to see it listed during a tool-focused tax holiday.


7. Power Tools

When: Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Power tools up to $300 qualify, making this holiday a great time for DIY enthusiasts or professionals to upgrade their tools. Items like drills, saws, and sanders can be purchased tax-free.


8. Fishing Equipment

When: Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Rods, reels (up to $75), and tackle boxes (up to $30) are included. This makes it an excellent time to gear up for fishing trips, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.


9. Flashlights and Lanterns

When: Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Flashlights and lanterns priced at $20 or less might not seem like major purchases, but having extras around is always handy, and they qualify during this tax-free period.


10. Computer Accessories

When: Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: While laptops and tablets are expected, accessories like keyboards, mice, and printers (up to $1,500 for non-commercial use) also qualify, making this a good time to upgrade your home office.


11. Tickets to Events

When: Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Admission tickets to concerts, movies, sporting events, and museums are tax-free if purchased during this period for events happening later in the year. This is a great way to save on entertainment expenses.


12. Coolers and Ice Packs

When: Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Non-electric coolers (up to $30) and reusable ice packs (up to $10) are tax-free, making them perfect for outdoor events, road trips, or disaster kits.


13. Toolboxes and Tool Bags

When: Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Tool storage solutions (up to $75) are often overlooked but qualify for tax exemptions. These are great for organizing your workspace or upgrading your existing setup.


14. Charcoal and Grilling Accessories

When: Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Items like charcoal, grilling utensils, and other cookout essentials may qualify under outdoor activity supplies. Perfect for summer barbecues.


15. Sleeping Bags

When: Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: Sleeping bags (up to $50) are included, making this an ideal time to invest in camping gear or even cozy options for sleepovers.


16. Admission to State Parks

When: Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday
Why It’s Unusual: If you purchase a state park annual pass or admission ticket during this holiday, it’s tax-free. It’s a great deal for nature lovers.


Why These Sales Tax Holidays Are Worth It

These unusual tax-free items provide opportunities to save money on products you might not typically associate with sales tax holidays. Whether you’re a camper, DIY enthusiast, or someone preparing for emergencies, these deals let you stretch your budget while stocking up on practical and sometimes unexpected items. By planning ahead and keeping an eye on eligible categories, you can maximize your savings during these tax-free periods.

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