Florida to open ‘Freedom Month’ sales tax holiday in July

ORLANDO, Fla. — Outdoor retailers are preparing for the next tax-free shopping period in the Sunshine State.

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During the month of July, people can shop tax-free for recreational items and activities.

That includes things like canoes, fishing gear or tickets to live music or sporting events.

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This year’s tax breaks will only last for one month; last year, it was three.

The state hopes the smaller window will increase consumer awareness.

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“I think it definitely makes people focus more on that opportunity,” said Scott Shalley, president of the Florida Retail Federation. “It gives our retailers an opportunity to plan their marketing and put things in place that are more focused.”

The Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday will remove the sales tax on items families use during the month, including:

Boating and water activity supplies:

· Goggles and snorkels ($25 or less)

· Pool toys ($35 or less)

· Coolers, Life jackets, Paddles ($75 or less)

· Inflatable water tubes and floats, Wakeboards ($150 or less)

· Paddleboards, Surfboards ($300 or less)

· Canoes, Kayaks ($500 or less)

Fishing Supplies:

· Bait and Tackle ($5 or less for individual items, $10 or less for multiple items sold together)

· Tackle boxes ($30 or less)

· Reels, Rods ($75 or less)

Camping Supplies:

· Flashlights ($30 or less)

· Sleeping bags, Camping chairs ($50 or less)

· Tents ($200 or less)

Outdoor Supplies:

· Sunscreen ($15 or less)

· Water bottles ($30 or less)

· Bicycle helmets ($50 or less)

· Outdoor grills ($250 or less)

· Bicycles ($500 or less)

Admissions to events or performances scheduled to be held between July 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024:

· Live music events

· Live sporting events

· Movies to be shown in a movie theater

· Ballets

· Plays

· Fairs

· Festivals

Admissions purchased for any of the following:

· Museums, including annual passes

· State parks, including annual passes

· Season tickets for ballets, plays, music events, and musical theater performances.

That tax holiday is expected to reduce state and local tax revenues by nearly $92 million.

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