Department of Education Reminds Families to Gear Up for Back to School

Thursday, August 2, 2012

DOE Press Office (850) 245-0413

Department of Education Reminds Families to Gear Up for Back to School

- Tax-free holiday weekend is August 3-5 -

Tallahassee, Fla., August 2, 2012 - Florida's teachers, parents, and students have an opportunity to shop tax-free on August 3-5, 2012, as our state celebrates the annual tax-free holiday. The 2012 Florida Legislature authorized a three-day back to school sales tax holiday so that Floridians will be able to purchase specific school supplies, clothing and footwear without paying state and local taxes. During the holiday, Floridians will not pay tax on specific items of clothing and footwear that cost $75 or less, as well as certain school supplies that cost $15 or less.

"I would like to remind Florida's families of this great opportunity to help students gear up for the back-to-school season," said Commissioner of Education Gerard Robinson. "Getting ready to go back to school can be expensive for families across the state, and the tax-free holiday is one way that Floridians can save money and prepare their children for a successful school year."

In addition to shopping for your family, this is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to your local community through donating to a back-to-school supply drive. The complete list of items that will be tax exempt is posted on the Florida Department of Revenue website (PDF). An abbreviated list of school-specific items that are tax exempt is below.