Florida's 2025 Back to School Tax-Free Holiday

Orlando families, mark your calendars, Florida's 2025 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday runs from August 1st through August 31st, giving you a full month to stock up on essentials without paying sales tax on qualifying items. Whether you're getting your kids ready for a new school year or sending a college student off with the latest tech essentials, this is a great opportunity to save.

Originally published on July 24th, 2025. Updated for accuracy.

This statewide initiative was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, and it includes a wide variety of school-related items. Here’s what you need to know to take advantage of the savings.

What’s Included in the Tax-Free Holiday?

From basic school supplies to big-ticket tech, here are some of the key items that qualify:

School Supplies: $50 or Less (Per Item)

• Notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, folders, paper
• Art and craft materials like glue, scissors, rulers, and poster board
• Staplers, binders, lunch boxes, and cellophane tape

Clothing & Accessories: $100 or Less (Per Item)

• Shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, and shoes
• Accessories like belts, scarves, and hats
• Backpacks, diaper bags, fanny packs, and handbags (briefcases and suitcases are not included)

Personal Computers & Related Accessories: $1,500 or Less

• Laptops, desktops, tablets, and e-readers
• Keyboards, mice, monitors, routers, and non-recreational software
• Note: Cell phones and gaming consoles do not qualify

Learning Aids & Educational Toys: $30 or Less

• Flashcards, puzzle books, memory games
• Interactive books, math and reading skill toys
• Building block sets and similar learning materials

What’s Not Included?

While there are plenty of ways to save, some purchases will still be taxed:

• Items over the price caps (e.g., a $60 backpack or $120 sneakers)
• Repairs, rentals, or purchases in airports, theme parks, or hotels
• Commercial computer purchases and recreational tech

Can I Shop Online or Use Layaway?

Yes. Items ordered online during the holiday qualify as long as they’re for immediate shipment, even if they arrive after August 31st. Layaway purchases are also eligible if initiated during the tax-free period.

Planning Ahead: School Supplies and Real Estate

Whether you're a longtime Orlando, Florida resident or new to the Sunshine State, this season is also a great reminder of the importance of school zones when choosing where to live. Aponte Group helps families just like yours find homes that are closer to top-rated schools or in the right district for your child’s future.

If you're thinking about moving to be closer to a desired school, or simply want a shorter commute for pickup and drop-off, let’s connect. Our local expertise in Orlando and Central Florida real estate makes us your best resource for navigating neighborhoods, school ratings, and everything in between.

Ready to make a move before the school bell rings? Contact us today to find a home in the perfect school zone.

More Info & Resources

Need more specifics on the tax-free rules? Visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s official Back to School page for full FAQs, item lists, and downloadable flyers.

And if you're also a fan of year-round savings, keep an eye out for Florida’s upcoming Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday starting September 8th, 2025.

Aponte Group | Real Estate Experts in Orlando & Central Florida
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