Whether you’re prepping for the first day of kindergarten or stocking up for college move-in day, Florida’s annual Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is here to help lighten the load—and your receipt.
From August 1 through August 31, Florida shoppers can save big on a wide range of school-related items, thanks to a recurring sales tax holiday passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. This means an entire month of tax-free savings on everyday essentials for students, parents, and even professionals working from home.
As your trusted Gainesville FL realtor, I know firsthand how important it is to stretch your budget—especially if you’re relocating, settling into a new home, or simply getting ready for a new season of routines. So whether you're browsing homes for sale in Gainesville FL or filling up your cart for back-to-school, here’s a quick breakdown of what qualifies:
Tax-Free Items You Can Buy August 1–31, 2025
Personal Computers & Accessories — $1,500 or less
Perfect for students or remote workers, you can skip the sales tax on:
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Laptops, desktops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld computers
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Accessories like keyboards, mice, modems, routers, and monitors
(Note: No tax break on phones, gaming consoles, or recreational software)
Wallets & Bags — $100 or less per item
Includes:
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Backpacks, handbags, diaper bags, fanny packs
(Excludes briefcases and suitcases)
School Supplies — $50 or less per item
Stock up on classroom and office basics like:
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Binders, composition books, folders, crayons, markers
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Pencils, pens, paper, glue, scissors, staplers, and lunch boxes
Learning Aids & Puzzles — $30 or less
Great for young learners:
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Flashcards, matching games, puzzle books, interactive reading or math toys
Clothing, Footwear & Accessories — $100 or less per item
Includes:
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Shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, shoes, boots, hats, scarves, and belts
Where the Tax Break Doesn’t Apply:
Sales tax exemption does not apply to:
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Rental or repair services
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Theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, or airports
Final Thoughts
This is a fantastic opportunity to save—whether you're outfitting your kids, setting up your home office, or grabbing a few wardrobe refreshers. Gainesville families, this is also a great time to plan ahead, especially if you’re considering Gainesville FL homes for sale and want to get settled before school starts.
I’m always here to help guide you through local insights—not just about Gainesville FL real estate, but about all the things that make this community feel like home.
📌 For the full list of tax-exempt items and official resources, visit Florida Department of Revenue’s website.
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