Florida's Sales Tax Holiday For Recreational Activities In July

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a tax package, officially introducing a sales tax "holiday" in July, allowing consumers to avoid paying sales taxes on a wide range of recreational items and activities. The holiday, part of the tax package HB 7073, was passed by the Legislature in March and signed by DeSantis in May. The tax holiday will exempt sales taxes on various supplies for boating, fishing, and camping, as well as tickets purchased for ___ music events, sporting events, fairs, festivals, theater performances, and movies.

Last year, the state offered a three-month tax holiday, but this year it will be limited to just July. Florida Retail Federation President Scott Shalley expressed optimism regarding the more focused approach of the tax holiday... stating that it will increase consumer awareness and provide a summer boost to retailers.

Shalley noted that the state's decision to limit the holiday to a single month will allow retailers to better plan and market their offerings, much like with the previously implemented tax holidays for back-to-school purchases and hurricane-preparedness supplies. When signing the tax package, DeSantis emphasized the intention behind the holiday, "stating that it is meant to encourage people to spend time outdoors and have fun." However, the Tax Foundation has expressed concerns that these types of holidays do not necessarily promote economic growth or increase consumer purchases... but rather shift the timing of purchases.

Some retailers may even raise prices during these holidays, "ultimately reducing consumer savings." The information for this article was obtained from wtsp. com.

Reference: Visit website

The tax "holiday" will allow shoppers to avoid paying sales taxes on a wide range of recreational items and activities throughout July. It was part of a tax package (HB 7073) that the Legislature passed in March and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed in May. As examples, sales taxes won't be collected in July on many supplies for boating, fishing and camping and tickets purchased for live music events, sporting events, fairs, festivals, theater performances and movies. Last year, the state offered the tax holiday for three months, but it will be limited to July this year.