\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA month of tax-free back-to-school shopping is underway across Florida, giving families a chance to save on school essentials as many continue to grapple with high prices.Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday began July 20 and runs through Aug. 20. During that time, shoppers can avoid paying sales tax on many common school-related purchases, including most clothing, shoes and backpacks priced at $100 or less per item, as well as school supplies priced at $50 or less.Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 NewsThe tax break comes as families prepare for another expensive school year.”We’ll probably spend $300 to $350 because we’re sending an extra kid to school this year,” one shopper said. “Kids are expensive, and we have three of them, two of which are in diapers, so any money we can save is for the best.”The Florida Retail Federation said families are projected to spend more than $800 on back-to-school essentials and preparation this year. For households shopping for more than one child, even modest savings at checkout can make a difference.Many parents said clothing remains one of the biggest expenses.”Kids grow,” another shopper said. “We’ll try and stock up as they grow out of, especially shoes and pants and dresses.”Not every item qualifies for the tax exemption. Cellphones and many other electronics are excluded, so shoppers are encouraged to review the state’s eligibility rules before making purchases.State leaders made the back-to-school sales tax holiday a permanent monthlong event in 2025, a move retail leaders said helps stores and shoppers plan ahead.”That’s enabled Florida retailers to plan their promotions around the sales tax holiday so that families can benefit in a really meaningful way,” said Amanda Bevis, spokesperson for the Florida Retail Federation.Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.Some shoppers said the timing is especially helpful as everyday costs remain high.”Every little bit counts as the economy is absolutely insane with how much it is just to go grocery shopping, and everything just costs so much more now,” one shopper said. “So, any little savings I can find.”\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. \u2014 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
A month of tax-free back-to-school shopping is underway across Florida, giving families a chance to save on school essentials as many continue to grapple with high prices.<\/p>\n
Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday began July 20 and runs through Aug. 20. During that time, shoppers can avoid paying sales tax on many common school-related purchases, including most clothing, shoes and backpacks priced at $100 or less per item, as well as school supplies priced at $50 or less.<\/p>\n
Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 News<\/a><\/p>\n The tax break comes as families prepare for another expensive school year.<\/p>\n “We’ll probably spend $300 to $350 because we’re sending an extra kid to school this year,” one shopper said. “Kids are expensive, and we have three of them, two of which are in diapers, so any money we can save is for the best.”<\/p>\n The Florida Retail Federation said families are projected to spend more than $800 on back-to-school essentials and preparation this year. For households shopping for more than one child, even modest savings at checkout can make a difference.<\/p>\n Many parents said clothing remains one of the biggest expenses.<\/p>\n “Kids grow,” another shopper said. “We’ll try and stock up as they grow out of, especially shoes and pants and dresses.”<\/p>\n Not every item qualifies for the tax exemption. Cellphones and many other electronics are excluded, so shoppers are encouraged to review the state’s eligibility rules<\/a> before making purchases.<\/p>\n State leaders made the back-to-school sales tax holiday a permanent monthlong event in 2025, a move retail leaders said helps stores and shoppers plan ahead.<\/p>\n “That’s enabled Florida retailers to plan their promotions around the sales tax holiday so that families can benefit in a really meaningful way,” said Amanda Bevis, spokesperson for the Florida Retail Federation.<\/p>\n