Are you ready for back-to-school shopping? Here’s a guide to what’s tax-free, for now

As children enjoy their final weeks of school-free days, parents can now start thinking about tax-free days.

The Florida back-to-school tax holiday is back, giving shoppers a break on select items. This year, those items include learning aids, which parents may be considering to help their kids catch up after classroom disruptions from the pandemic. Also new this year: higher-price caps on items.

Back-to-school supplies are exempt from sales tax across the state through Aug. 7.

The tax holiday, which started Monday, is part of a $1.2 billion tax package passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May.

“In Florida, we are going to support our residents and help them afford the goods that they need,” DeSantis said when the law was passed. “Florida has been fiscally responsible, so we are in a good position to provide meaningful relief for families, right now.”

The tax holiday offers tax exemptions on learning aids and jigsaw puzzles under $30, most school supplies under $50, clothing and footwear under $100 and computers and accessories under $1,500. The state predicts that Florida families will save $100 million on their back-to-school needs during the tax holiday.

Parents can also take advantage of other ongoing tax holidays. Children’s diapers and baby and toddler clothing, apparel and footwear will be exempt through Saturday. Children’s books for those under 12 are exempt until Aug. 14.

Rentals or repairs of eligible items aren’t tax exempt. Neither are eligible products in a theme park, entertainment complex or airport.

Here’s what you should know to get your kids ready for another school year and make the most out of the tax break.

Learning aids

Learning aids, which were added to the tax-free list this year, include flashcards, memory games, puzzle books, interactive toys intended to teach reading or math skills and nesting blocks.

All items in this category are tax exempt as long as they are under $30.

Clothing

The list for exempt clothing can be confusing. More than 50 groups of clothing items are tax-free for the holiday.

Clothing like jeans, jackets and shirts are exempt. So are hair accessories like bobby pins, hair ties and bandannas. And select sportswear like leotards, baseball cleats and martial arts attire are exempt, too.

Uniforms and even formal wear like tuxedos and ties won’t be taxed. Purses, aprons and costumes won’t be either. Neither are hunting vests, ski suits, bowling shoes and lingerie.

But duffel bags and sports helmets and pads are taxed. Jewelry, sunglasses and umbrellas are, too. And of course, any item over $100.

If you’re looking to shop for clothing, it’s best to check the state’s tax information sheet to avoid confusion.

Supplies

Binders, crayons, pencils, erasers, notebooks — most of the basics you would slip into your child’s backpack — are exempt as long as each item is under $50.

The only exceptions are correction tape or liquid, computer or printer paper and masking tape.

Computers

Computers for personal use, including desktops, laptops and tablets, are tax exempt. Flash drives, computer parts and headphones won’t be taxed. Printers and ink cartridges won’t be either.

Video game consoles and gaming computers aren’t tax-free. (Sorry to all kids hoping to use the tax holiday as leverage!) Other non-exempt items include batteries, cases for electronic devices, smartphones, TVs and digital cameras.

Enjoy your shopping — and this year’s savings.