As the summer winds down, many families feel the pressure of the back-to-school shopping list. For some, it’s an exciting time of new beginnings, but for others, it can be a stressful financial burden. The state’s new month-long sales tax holiday is a timely initiative that can help ease that burden, offering much-needed relief for parents preparing for the upcoming school year.
The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: What Does It Mean for Florida Families?
From August 1 to August 31, 2025, Florida shoppers can purchase specific items for back-to-school without paying the state’s sales tax. The holiday allows families to save money on a variety of items, including: (Back To School Sales Tax Holiday)
- School supplies: Items like notebooks, pencils, markers, and backpacks.
- Clothing: Dress code-compliant clothes, shoes, and accessories.
- Technology: Laptops, tablets, and other essential tech items needed for school.
However, there are limits on the price of certain items, meaning not all purchases will be exempt from tax. For example, clothing items priced under $100 per piece are tax-free, while items above that price may not qualify. Similarly, certain tech items like computers and accessories that fall under the specified price limits will also be exempt from tax.
This month-long event is a game-changer for many families, giving them more flexibility and time to make purchases without the added burden of sales tax. Florida state officials believe the tax holiday will help reduce financial strain on families and provide additional time for back-to-school shopping, making it easier for parents to budget for the new school year.
How to Make the Most of the Sales Tax Holiday
While the sales tax holiday offers great savings, it’s important to approach back-to-school shopping with a clear plan. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and impulse buy, but staying on track with your financial goals will help you avoid unnecessary stress later on.
Here are some strategies to help you manage your money wisely while taking advantage of the sales tax holiday:
- Create a Spending Plan
Start by making a list of all the items you need for the upcoming school year. This will help you stay focused and avoid overspending on unnecessary items. Set a realistic budget for each category (school supplies, clothing, technology), and make sure to stick to it.
- Fight the Impulse to Spend on “Wants”
As tempting as it may be, avoid spending money on things that aren’t essential. It’s easy to get carried away with buying trendy items or things that are outside the list, but remember that back-to-school shopping is about preparing your child for success, not splurging on non-essentials.
Additional Financial Tips for Parents: How to Manage School Shopping Costs
While the sales tax holiday can certainly help families save money, it’s essential to think beyond the shopping event and consider long-term financial strategies to avoid stress.
Sell or Liquidate Unused Items
If you’re feeling financially strapped, consider selling unused items around your home. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, shopify.com or eBay are great places to sell clothes, electronics, furniture, and other unused valuables. Not only will this help you declutter, it can also generate some extra cash that you can put toward school supplies or other essential expenses.
Cut Back on Other Expenses
If you’re looking for ways to stretch your budget further, consider cutting back on other non-essential expenses:
- Comparison shop for groceries and everyday essentials. Use coupons, look for discounts, or check apps like Ibotta to save on items you purchase regularly.
- Cancel or pause subscriptions you may not need (like streaming services, gym memberships, or magazine subscriptions).
- Cooking at home instead of dining out can add up to significant savings over time (check out www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for saving at the grocery store tips).
Earn Extra Cash
For families in need of extra funds, consider earning money through gig work or freelance opportunities. Services like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart can help bring in additional income. If you have skills to offer, like babysitting, pet sitting, or tutoring, these services are also in high demand.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Back-to-School Shopping Experience
While the start of a new school year is meant to be a joyful milestone, for many families, it can be an overwhelming time. Florida’s new month-long Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday provides a much-needed break, but it’s important to plan ahead and approach your back-to-school shopping with a strategy. By creating a spending plan, avoiding impulse purchases, and finding ways to save on essentials, you can ensure that this school year begins on the right financial foot. For a free Take Control of your Money class, log onto Eventbrite.
Remember, it’s not about the amount of money you spend, it’s about managing your resources wisely and ensuring your children have what they need to succeed in school.
For Free Back To School Events check out the links below:
https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool
Back To School Back Pack Drive
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