Save Big on Back-to-School Shopping: Florida’s Tax-Free Holiday Guide

As summer break starts to wind down, it’s time to “gear up” for an exciting two weeks that’ll make your back-to-school supply lists a little easier on your wallets. Mark your calendars for Florida’s Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday from July 24 through August 6!

What’s all the Back-to-School shopping Buzz about?

From stocking up on fresh notebooks to finding the trendiest sneakers, the Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday is designed to help you save some serious cash. So, let’s dive in and find out all the awesome things this tax-free holiday has in store for you!

When and Where:

First things first, mark your calendars. This year, the Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday takes place from July 24 through August 6. During these days, you’ll enjoy tax exemptions on a wide variety of back-to-school essentials. So, whether you plan to shop online or head out to your favorite local stores, you’ll have access to some great options!

What Back-to-School Savings are Included:

Now, let’s talk about the real deal – what items are eligible for tax exemptions during these two weeks? Florida’s Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday covers a broad range of supplies and equipment that students need for school. Here are some of the goodies you can expect to save on:

Clothing and footwear: From stylish tops and jeans to comfy shoes and sneakers, this is your chance to update your wardrobe without the added tax burden. Items must be less than $100. And remember, watches and jewelry are not included. 

School supplies:  Pencils, pens, paper, binders, calculators, folders, and all those essentials that fill up your shopping list with a sale price of $50 or less per item. Also included are learning aids with a sales price of $30 or less. These include flashcards and memory games. It’s the perfect time to stock up on everything you need for a successful school year!

Technology: This one’s a game-changer for FLVS students! Grab your laptops, tablets, and accessories, such as keyboards, monitors, and routers, without worrying about extra taxes. Personal computers or personal computer-related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less are included. Get ready to embrace the power of technology for your online studies with FLVS.

Tips to Maximize Your Back-to-School Savings:

Now that you know what’s up for grabs, let’s discuss some tips to help you make the most of this tax-free holiday.

Plan your shopping list: Take a moment to jot down the items you genuinely need. Check out the FLVS back-to-school supply lists here: High School, Middle School, Elementary School – Full Time Public School, and Elementary School – Flex. This can help you stay focused on what you truly need for the upcoming school year and avoid impulse buying.

Compare prices: Do some research before you hit the stores. Check out different retailers and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deals possible.

Shop early: Beat the rush and grab the hottest items before they fly off the shelves. Early birds often find the best selections and avoid the last-minute frenzy.

Involve the family: Parents, this is a fantastic opportunity to engage your kids in the back-to-school shopping process. Let them choose their favorite items while being mindful of the budget.

Still have questions? Make sure to check out the frequently asked questions on the Department of Revenue’s website Get your shopping lists ready to jumpstart your school year with Florida Virtual School. 

And don’t worry if you aren’t enrolled yet. There’s still time to join Florida Virtual School for the 2023-24 school year. If you’re interested in individual online courses or homeschool, FLVS Flex is open year-round at flvs.net/flex/enroll. Or if you’re interested in full-time online public school, you have until July 28 to enroll students in grades K-8. Apply today at flvs.net/full-time/enrollment. Enrollment for FLVS Full Time grades 9-12 is closed for the first semester but will reopen in October for second semester.