‘Freedom Week’: Here’s what is covered by Florida’s new sales tax holiday

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Friday that establishes a new sales tax holiday named “Freedom Week.”

The tax holiday, which is set for the week of the Fourth of July, will cover sales tax for things ranging from concert and movie tickets to state park annual passes and camping equipment.

“I think this is really smart,” DeSantis said in a news conference in Pensacola on Friday.

READ: 2 tropical disturbances emerge ahead of the start of hurricane season

The bill also includes dates for the annual tax holidays for disaster preparedness, from May 28 to June 6, and back-to-school, from July 31 to Aug. 9.

Next week’s disaster preparedness tax holiday includes flashlights under $40, tarps under $100, batteries under $50, coolers under $60 and generators up to $1,000.

READ: Tropical disturbances emerge near Texas, Bermuda ahead of hurricane season

According to a news release by the Florida Senate, here’s what’s covered under the Freedom Week sales tax holiday from July 1-7:

Events: Purchases of admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, specified performances, movies, museums, state park annual passes and fitness facilities for events held from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2021, will be tax free. Additionally, purchases of season tickets are also exempted.

READ: How much money will you get after taxes if you win the Mega Millions jackpot?

Boating and water supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of life jackets and coolers; the first $50 of the sales price of safety flares; the first $150 of the sales price of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and recreational inflatable water tubes or floats capable of being towed; the first $300 of the sales price of paddleboards and surfboards; the first $500 of the sales price of canoes and kayaks; the first $75 of the sales price of paddles and oars; and the first $25 of the sales price of snorkels, goggles and swimming masks.

Camping supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $200 of the sales price of tents; the first $50 of the sales price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves and collapsible camping chairs; and the first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights.

READ: Central Florida businesses are struggling to hire employees. Here’s why

Fishing supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of rods and reels, if sold individually, or the first $150 of the sales price if sold as a set; the first $30 of the sales price of tackle boxes or bags; and the first $5 of the sale price of bait or fishing tackle, if sold individually, or the first $10 of the sales price if multiple items are sold together.

General outdoor supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen or insect repellent; the first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses; the first $200 of the sales price of binoculars; the first $30 of the sales price of water bottles; the first $50 of the sales price of hydration packs; the first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills; the first $50 of the sales price of bicycle helmets; and the first $250 of the sales price of bicycles.

Sports equipment: The tax holiday applies to any item used in individual or team sports, not including clothing or footwear, selling for $40 or less.