Florida officials recently visited a swim school in Ormond Beach to discuss the importance of water safety for children. Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez announced a new program that will provide vouchers to low-income families for swimming lessons for children aged 4 and younger. This initiative aims to reduce the number of drowning incidents involving young children in the state.
With the upcoming school year fast approaching, residents in Florida are gearing up for the start of classes. Fifty-nine out of Florida’s 67 counties will begin the 2024-2025 school year on the earliest possible date, which is August 12. By law, schools in the state cannot start before August 10, which falls on a Saturday this year. This leaves residents with less than a week to finish their school shopping. Fortunately, Florida’s tax-free week is still ongoing for students, parents, and educators, providing an opportunity to save money on essential school supplies.
Florida’s tax-free holiday for school supplies will end on Sunday, August 11, according to the Florida Department of Revenue. During this time, certain items are exempt from sales tax, including personal computers and accessories, clothing, footwear, school supplies, and learning aids. Personal computers or related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less are eligible for tax exemption, as well as clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item. School supplies costing $50 or less per item, and learning aids and jigsaw puzzles priced at $30 or less, are also included in the tax-free holiday.
There is no limit on the number of school supplies that can be purchased tax-free during the holiday. The exemption is based on the sales price of each item, rather than the quantity purchased. However, certain items are not eligible for tax exemption, such as clothing priced over $100, school supplies over $50, and learning aids over $30. Additionally, books that are not otherwise exempt, computers and accessories purchased for commercial purposes, rentals, repairs, and sales within specific establishments are not covered by the tax holiday.
For those shopping online during the tax-free holiday, items are exempt from sales tax if the order is accepted by the company during the holiday for immediate shipment, even if delivery occurs after the holiday. If a customer is charged sales tax in error, they can request a refund from the business by providing a copy of the relevant information from the Florida Department of Revenue.
In conclusion, Florida’s tax-free holiday for school supplies offers residents an opportunity to save money on essential items for the upcoming school year. By taking advantage of this tax exemption, families can ensure that their children are well-prepared for the start of classes while also promoting water safety through programs like the one announced by Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez.