The return to classrooms is already underway in various parts of Florida, but families who have pending purchases still have several days to save: the tax exemption remains in effect until next Thursday, August 20.
The period began on July 20 and lasts for one month, according to the rules published by the Florida Department of Revenue.
During these days, certain school supplies, clothing, computers, and educational materials can be purchased without paying the state sales tax, as long as they adhere to the limits set for each category.
Among the most basic products are school supplies priced at 50 dollars or less per item.
This category includes notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, glue, rulers, scissors, paper, lunchboxes, highlighters, compasses, protractors, staplers, and other common classroom items.
learning materials and puzzles that cost $30 or less are also exempt.
The list includes educational cards, interactive or electronic books, memory games, puzzle books, and certain toys designed to teach reading or math.
One of the biggest savings can be found in technology. Personal computers and certain accessories costing up to $1,500 can be purchased tax-free when intended for personal or household use and not for commercial activity.
The exemption covers laptops, desktop computers, tablets, e-readers, hard drives, memory devices, keyboards, mice, eligible monitors, printers, routers, headphones, and other accessories outlined by the state.
Clothing and footwear are also part of the opportunity, as long as each item has a price of 100 dollars or less. The exemption includes, among other products, jeans, dresses, shorts, jackets, shoes, sportswear, socks, uniforms, backpacks, wallets, and bags.
Not everything related to back-to-school is automatically tax-exempt. Price limits are important: an item of clothing that exceeds $100, a school supply over $50, or a computer and eligible accessories costing more than $1,500 are not included in the exemption.
They also do not qualify items such as cell phones, video game consoles, watches, jewelry, luggage, and certain recreational products.
The exemption also does not apply to rentals, repairs, or modifications of eligible products, nor to purchases made within theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, or airports.
Online shopping can also take advantage of the benefit. According to the Department of Revenue, an eligible item purchased from a remote seller or through a digital platform is exempt if the order is accepted for immediate shipping during the tax-free period, even if delivery occurs after August 20.
The measure began this year on July 20 with a full month for tax-free school shopping, providing a significantly broad window for families to manage their back-to-school expenses.
Related videos:
Filed under: