Florida Introduces Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday in July 2021 by Karen A. Lake, CPA
Posted on June 22, 2021
by
Karen Lake
Florida’s legislature recently approved House Bill 7071 offering families throughout the state a variety of tax-saving opportunities, including a new sales-tax holiday that celebrates all the outdoor activities that local residents can enjoy year-round.
The first-ever Florida “Freedom Week” allows residents to purchase an expansive list of recreational equipment and outdoor supplies free of sales tax beginning on July 1 and through July 7. The seven-day tax holiday also exempts sales tax on purchases of admission tickets to “music events, sporting events, cultural events, specified performances, movies, museums, state park annual passes” that are scheduled in the state between July 1, and Dec. 31, 2021.
Consumers should note that there are limits on the price of goods exempt from sales tax. For example, only the first $100 of the sale price of a pair of sunglasses will be tax-free. Amounts over this threshold will be subject to tax. Here’s a breakdown of all the tax-free purchases Florida families can make during the state’s inaugural Freedom Week.
Boating and Water Supplies
- the first $25 of the sales price of snorkels, goggles and swimming masks
- the first $50 of the sales price of safety flares
- the first $75 of the sales price of life jackets and coolers
- the first $75 of the sales price of paddles and oars
- the first $150 of the sales price of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards and recreational inflatable water tubes or towable floats
- the first $300 of the sales price of paddleboards and surfboards
- the first $500 of the sales price of canoes and kayaks
Camping Supplies
- the first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights
- the first $50 of the sales price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves and collapsible camping chairs
- the first $200 of the sales price of tents
Fishing Supplies
- 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
- 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
General Outdoor Supplies
- the first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen or insect repellant
- the first $30 of the sales price of water bottles
- the first $50 of the sales price of hydration packs and bicycle helmets
- the first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses
- the first $200 of the sales price of binoculars
- the first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills
- the first $250 of the sales price of bicycles
Sports Equipment
- Any item used in an individual or team sport, excluding clothing and footwear, that sells for $40 or less
For more information, please visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s website at http://floridarevenue.com.
About the Author: Karen A. Lake, CPA, is a state and local tax (SALT) specialist and an associate director of Tax Services with Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs, where she helps individuals and businesses navigate complex federal, state and local tax laws, and credits and incentives. She can be reached at the firm’s Miami office at (305) 379-7000 or info@bpbcpa.com.
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