Florida now tax-free for batteries, sunscreen, bike helmets, and more

New Sales Tax Exemptions in Florida Bring Significant Savings for Consumers

Florida has introduced new permanent, year-round sales tax exemptions that are expected to save consumers over $160 million annually on a wide range of products. These exemptions cover items such as batteries, bicycle helmets, and other essential goods. In addition to these changes, the state will continue its annual back-to-school sales tax holiday, which is projected to save consumers an extra $217 million each year.

These updates are part of a broader tax bill passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. The legislation aims to provide long-term relief to residents while also impacting state and local government revenues. For example, the back-to-school sales tax holiday is estimated to cost the state $167.7 million and local governments $49.3 million annually.

Disaster Preparedness Supplies Now Tax-Free Year-Round

A significant portion of the new exemptions includes disaster preparedness supplies, which were previously only available during short-term sales tax holidays. With the passage of House Bill 7031, these items are now permanently exempt from sales tax.

Some of the key items included in this exemption are:
AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt or 9-volt batteries
Smoke detection devices
Carbon monoxide alarms
Fire extinguishers
Portable generators with 10,000 watts or less
Waterproof tarpaulins and flexible waterproof sheeting under 1,000 square feet
Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
Portable gas or diesel fuel cans with a capacity of 5 gallons or less

According to a Florida House of Representatives analysis, the largest annual savings from this exemption comes from batteries, with an estimated $75.7 million saved per year. Since 2006, the state has had 11 short-term sales tax holidays related to disaster preparedness. This new legislation makes those exemptions permanent and available year-round.

Recreational Items Also Exempt from Sales Tax

In addition to disaster preparedness supplies, the law also introduces permanent tax exemptions for certain recreational items. Previously, these items were covered under temporary "freedom summer" sales tax holidays.

The newly exempt items include:
Life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard
Bicycle helmets
Sunscreen
Insect repellent

This change aligns with Florida’s ongoing efforts to support outdoor activities and personal safety. The state has offered freedom sales tax holidays since 2021, but now these exemptions will be available throughout the year without the need for annual legislative approval.

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Permanently Extended

While not year-round, the back-to-school sales tax holiday is now a permanent fixture every August. This exemption applies to school supplies and clothing, with specific price limits on eligible items.

Eligible items include:
Clothing, footwear, wallets, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, and diaper bags costing $100 or less per item
School supplies priced at $50 or less per item
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles costing $30 or less per item
Personal computers and related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less for noncommercial use

This holiday does not apply to purchases made within theme parks, entertainment complexes, lodging establishments, or airports. Florida has held back-to-school sales tax holidays 22 times since 1998, but this new provision ensures the exemption will occur annually without requiring new legislation each year.

Additional Sales Tax Changes

Other notable changes include:
State park admission: Effective July 1, admission to Florida’s 175 state parks is now tax-free.
Bullion sales: Starting August 1, gold, silver, and platinum bullion are completely exempt from sales tax, removing the previous $500 price threshold.

Upcoming Sales Tax Holiday for Outdoor Recreation

As part of the same tax bill, a temporary sales tax holiday will take place from September 8 through December 31, focusing on outdoor recreation items. This “Second Amendment” sales tax holiday is expected to save consumers an estimated $44.8 million.

Eligible items include:
Hunting items: Firearms, ammunition, firearms accessories, bows, crossbows, arrows, and related accessories
Camping supplies: Tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, lanterns, and flashlights under specified price limits
Fishing supplies:* Rods, reels, tackle boxes, bait, and fishing tackle within defined price ranges

This exemption does not apply to commercial fishing supplies.

These new tax exemptions reflect Florida’s continued effort to reduce the financial burden on residents while supporting community needs and outdoor activities.