Florida Tax Free Weekend runs for nine days in August each year

Florida's Tax Free Weekend takes place in August and lasts for nine consecutive days. The exact dates shift slightly each year because the state sets them to begin on the first Friday in August and run through the following Sunday. In 2024, Tax Free Weekend runs August 2–10. In 2025, it runs August 1–9. The state announces the official dates in June, so you can plan ahead.

During these nine days, you pay no sales tax on certain school supplies, clothing, and footwear when you buy them in Florida. The tax break applies only to items that meet specific price and category rules — not everything in a store qualifies. You do not need to register, show proof of enrollment, or fill out any forms. The discount happens automatically at checkout when you buy a covered item.

Key Takeaways

  • Tax Free Weekend occurs in early August for nine days and the exact dates change yearly — check the Florida Department of Revenue website in June for the current year's dates.
  • Only school supplies under $15 per item, clothing and footwear under $100 per item, and certain computers and equipment under $750 are tax-exempt during the event.
  • The tax break applies to in-store purchases and online orders shipped to a Florida address during the nine-day window.
  • You do not need to register or provide proof of school enrollment — the tax exemption is automatic at the register for any customer buying covered items.

What items are tax-free during the nine days

School supplies under $15 per item are tax-free. This includes pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, paper, erasers, scissors, glue, rulers, calculators, and similar items used for school. If a single item costs $15 or more, the full price is taxed — the exemption does not apply to part of the purchase.

Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free. This covers shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, shoes, socks, hats, and belts. Accessories like scarves, ties, and gloves count as clothing. Items over $100 are fully taxed. Clothing that is damaged, stained, or marked as final sale still qualifies if it meets the price limit.

Computers and certain equipment under $750 per item are tax-free, but only if they are purchased for use in a school or college. A laptop, desktop, tablet, or printer that costs less than $750 and is intended for educational use qualifies. Software and computer accessories like mice and keyboards do not may have access to unless bundled with the computer itself as part of a single purchase under $750.

Items that do NOT may have access to include athletic shoes, costumes, jewelry, handbags, wallets, umbrellas, blankets, pillows, furniture, and items used for sports or recreation. Meals, beverages, and prepared food are not tax-free. Textbooks and books are not covered, even if they are school-related.

How the tax break works when you shop

When you buy a covered item during Tax Free Weekend, the cashier or online system removes the sales tax at checkout. You do not need to show a student ID, proof of enrollment, or any documentation. The exemption applies to anyone buying the items — parents, teachers, students, and other shoppers all receive the same tax break.

For in-store purchases, the tax is removed at the register when you scan or ring up the item. For online orders, the tax exemption applies only if the item is shipped to a Florida address during the nine-day window. If you order online before Tax Free Weekend begins or after it ends, you pay sales tax even if the item arrives during the event. Some retailers may require you to place the order during the nine days for the exemption to apply.

If you buy an item that is partly tax-free and partly taxable — for example, a bundle containing both school supplies and non-may have access to items — the retailer must separate the charges. Only the tax-free portion is exempt. Some stores may not have systems set up to split charges, so ask the cashier how they handle mixed purchases.

Online shopping and shipping during Tax Free Weekend

Online retailers that ship to Florida addresses must honor the tax exemption if the order is placed and shipped during the nine-day window. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy participate, though you should confirm with the specific store before checkout.

The key date is when the item ships, not when you place the order. If you order on August 5 but the item does not ship until August 12, you will pay sales tax because the shipment occurred after Tax Free Weekend ended. Check the retailer's shipping estimate before you buy to make sure the item will leave the warehouse during the event.

Some online retailers may not have automated systems to remove tax for Florida addresses during Tax Free Weekend. If you are charged tax on a covered item that shipped during the nine days, contact the retailer's customer service with your order number and receipt. Many will issue a refund for the incorrectly charged tax.

What happens if you buy something that does not may have access to

If you purchase an item that looks like it should be tax-free but does not meet the rules — for example, a pair of athletic shoes or a $120 jacket — you will be charged sales tax. The cashier should catch this at checkout, but mistakes happen. If you are charged tax on an item you believed was covered, ask to speak with a manager and explain why you thought it may have access to.

You cannot return an item after Tax Free Weekend ends and ask for a refund of the tax you paid during the event. The exemption is only available during the nine-day window. If you accidentally buy something taxable during that time, you have paid the tax and cannot recover it through the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a student to get the tax break?

No. Tax Free Weekend applies to anyone buying covered items, regardless of age or school status. Parents, teachers, and other shoppers all receive the same exemption. You do not need to show proof of enrollment or provide any documentation.

What if an item is on sale during Tax Free Weekend?

The tax exemption applies on top of any sale price. If a shirt is marked down from $50 to $30 and is under $100, you pay $30 with no tax added. The sale price and the tax break are separate — you get both.

Can I return something I bought during Tax Free Weekend and get the tax back?

No. If you return an item, you receive a refund of the price you paid, which already had no tax. The tax exemption does not create a separate tax refund. You simply paid less because you bought it during the nine-day window.

Do I have to buy items for school to get the tax break?

No. The items must meet the category and price rules, but you do not have to prove they are for school use. You can buy school supplies, clothing, or computers for any reason and still receive the tax exemption during Tax Free Weekend.

What if I buy something online but it arrives after Tax Free Weekend ends?

You will pay sales tax. The exemption applies only to items that ship during the nine-day window. Check the retailer's estimated delivery date before you order to make sure the item will leave the warehouse in time.