Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the signing of the Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday for Fiscal Year 2024-25, making summer more affordable for Florida families.
The Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday will take place throughout July and will exempt sales tax on a wide range of items such as fishing supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, and admissions to state parks and museums. Additionally, to kick off the summer season, Governor DeSantis announced free admission to Florida State Parks on Memorial Day Weekend for all visitors.
“Florida is stepping up to make summer more affordable for families,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “While the federal government is causing high inflation and skyrocketing costs for families, Florida’s smart fiscal policies allow us to reduce taxes and help reduce the burden on Floridians.”
“Florida’s 175 award-winning state parks are second to none,” added Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “I encourage all of Florida’s residents and visitors to take advantage of these extra savings and discover the unique experiences the real Florida has to offer.”
To kick off the summer with savings for families, Governor DeSantis has waived admission for all visitors to Florida State Parks for Memorial Day weekend, from May 24-27, 2024.
The Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday will remove the sales tax on items families use during the summer, including:
Boating and water activity supplies:
- Goggles and snorkels ($25 or less)
- Pool toys ($35 or less)
- Coolers, Life jackets, Paddles ($75 or less)
- Inflatable water tubes and floats, Wakeboards ($150 or less)
- Paddleboards, Surfboards ($300 or less)
- Canoes, Kayaks ($500 or less)
Fishing Supplies:
- Bait and Tackle ($5 or less for individual items, $10 or less for multiple items sold together)
- Tackle boxes ($30 or less)
- Reels, Rods ($75 or less)
Camping Supplies:
- Flashlights ($30 or less)
- Sleeping bags, Camping chairs ($50 or less)
- Tents ($200 or less)
Outdoor Supplies:
- Sunscreen ($15 or less)
- Water bottles ($30 or less)
- Bicycle helmets ($50 or less)
- Outdoor grills ($250 or less)
- Bicycles ($500 or less)
Admissions to events or performances scheduled to be held between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024:
- Live music events
- Live sporting events
- Movies to be shown in a movie theater
- Ballets
- Plays
- Fairs
- Festivals
Admissions purchased for any of the following:
- Museums, including annual passes
- State parks, including annual passes
- Season tickets for ballets, plays, music events, and musical theater performances
Outdoor recreation just got a little cheaper across the Sunshine State just in time for Independence Day. The “Florida Freedom Month” sales tax holiday began Monday, saving people millions of dollars this month.
“Some of my fondest memories of my dad, who passed away in 2022, are fishing with him and eating the fish we caught,” said Julie Crafton, a Florida resident. The state is offering the “Florida Freedom Month” sales tax holiday to encourage people to get outdoors and create lasting memories with their families.
During July, sales tax won’t be collected for outdoor recreation activities like swimming, fishing, and camping. However, the sales tax holiday only applies to items that are purchased, not rented. The state expects Floridians to save nearly $92 million on sales tax this month.
In addition to outdoor gear, the sales tax holiday also provides savings for concert tickets, museum admissions, and state park passes. The Florida Department of Revenue has posted a comprehensive list of eligible items online, ensuring that everyone can take advantage of these savings.
As we celebrate Independence Day, let’s also celebrate the freedom to enjoy Florida’s beautiful outdoors with a little extra money in our pockets. Happy Freedom Month, Florida!
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