By Juliana OctaviniA Tax exemption in Florida can represent a good economy for those who want to shop during a trip to Orlando, especially in periods of Sales Tax Holiday But to take advantage of the benefit correctly, it is important to understand which products enter the exemption, what are the price limits and which purchases are not contemplated.
O Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday It was created mainly to help families buy back to American classes. Nevertheless, the benefits are not exclusive to students or residents of Florida: tourists can also buy eligible products during the period and enjoy the exemption, provided the purchase is within the rules established by the state.
In 2026, Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday takes place from 20 July to 20 August. Among the products covered are certain clothes, footwear, bags and backpacks, school materials, learning items and computers and eligible accessories within the established price limits.
In this guide, you will understand how does the tax exemption in Florida work, which products can be bought without tax, which items stay out, how online shopping works and what Brazilian tourists need to know before enjoying the tax holiday in Orlando.
The 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday takes place from July 20th to August 20th. Dates, products and rules can change from one year to another, so this article will be updated as new official information is released.
What's Tax Holiday in Florida?
O Sales Tax Holiday is a period determined by Florida legislation during which certain products can be purchased without the collection of sales tax (taxes), provided that they meet the conditions laid down for that period.
The program Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is mainly focused on products related to shopping back to class.
It is important to understand, however, that this is not a discount offered by stores. The price of the product remains the same; what happens is that the tax on the sale of certain eligible items is no longer charged during the period provided for in law.
Florida has a general state tax rate of 6% of sales tax, to which an additional discretionary sales surtax (local tax) defined by the county. Therefore, the total percentage paid in a taxable purchase may vary according to the location.
How much can I save?
This depends on the purchase value and the applicable on-site fee.
For example, if a purchase of $100 was normally subject to a total charge of 7%, the tax would be $7. During Tax Holiday, if the product is eligible, these $7 will no longer be charged.
So the higher the value of eligible purchases — respecting the established limits — the higher the economy.
O Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is held annually, but the dates and rules are defined by the current legislation and can change from one year to another.
In 2026, the period goes from:
July 20th to August 20th, 2026.
This means that during this interval certain products can be purchased without the sales tax, provided that they are within the categories and limits established.
And in the next few years?
It is not recommended to assume that Tax Holiday will take place on exactly the same dates every year, but usually happens between July and August.
So if you're planning a future trip, check out the official schedule released by Florida Department of Revenue for the year of your trip.
At the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday of 2026, four major product categories are contemplated:
- clothes, footwear, wallets and certain types of purses;
- certain school materials;
- learning materials and puzzles;
- personal computers and certain computer accessories for non-commercial personal or household use.
Limits are defined per item, and not by the total purchase value.
Here's how it works:
| Category | Price limit per item |
| Eligible clothing, footwear, wallets and handbags | $100. |
| Eligible school materials | $50. |
| Learning materials and puzzles | $30. |
| Computers and certain accessories | $1,500. |
. Clothing, footwear, wallets and handbags
In 2026 certain clothing, footwear, wallets and handbags with a sales price of up to $100 per item.
Among the examples are:
- T-shirts;
- shirts;
- pants;
- dresses;
- sweaters;
- shoes;
- tennis;
- backpacks;
- grants;
- pack sizes;
- diaper bags;
- wallets.
The rule also includes certain types of bags and backpacks, but there are important exceptions.
What if the clothes cost $110?
In that case, she does not fit the exemption.
The limit is $100 per item, which does not mean that the first $100 is exempt and the remaining $10 is taxed.
Therefore:
$80 T-shirt 1: eligible if it fulfils the other conditions.
T-shirt 2 of $100: eligible if it fulfils the other conditions.
And T-shirt 3 of $110: not eligible.
The exemption also includes certain school materials with a selling price of up to $50 per item.
Among the examples are:
- notebooks;
- binders;
- folders;
- pencils;
- pens;
- markers;
- rules;
- scissors;
- glues;
- paper;
- lunch boxes;
- certain art materials.
The official list is more specific and not every product that can be used by a student necessarily falls within the category of school supplies.
So if you are buying an item different from traditional examples, it is worth consulting the official classification or confirming with the establishment.
A category that deserves attention in 2026 is that of Learning aids, or learning materials.
These products and certain puzzles are exempted at cost up to $30 per item.
The category includes, for example:
- certain interactive books;
- puzzles;
- toys aimed at reading learning;
- educational toys related to mathematics;
- other materials that meet the definition laid down in the legislation.
Example
An eligible puzzle from 25 bucks. You can fit in with the exemption.
An eligible product of $35. You're over the limit and you don't get the exemption.
Personal computers are one of the categories that interests consumers most.
In 2026 certain Personal computers and related accessories, as long as the item costs 1,500 bucks or less is purchased for non-commercial personal or domestic use.
Among the products that may be classified are determined:
- notebooks;
- table computers;
- tablets;
- electronic readers;
- keyboards;
- mouse;
- eligible monitors;
- webcams;
- routers;
- modems;
- headphones and other accessories provided for in the regulations.
Classification depends on product characteristics and official rules.
And attention: not every electronic comes in
That's one of the most important points of Tax Holiday.
Cell phones, video game consoles, certain media devices and other devices that are not intended primarily for data processing are excluded.
So don't think that:
“If it costs less than $1,500, it doesn’t pay tax.”
It's not like that.
The product needs it first be in the eligible category And then respect the price limit.
? Which products do not enter the exemption?
This is one of the most important parts for those who intend to shop in Florida.
Even if some of these products are related to school, travel or personal use, they are not necessarily contemplated by Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.
Among the items excluded in 2026 are:
- suitcases;
- briefcases;
- Clothes bags (garment bags);
- watches;
- watch straps;
- jewelry;
- umbrellas;
- handkerchiefs;
- skis;
- fins;
- skates;
- certain books which have no other specific exemption;
- mobile phones;
- video game consoles;
- certain media devices;
- computers or accessories purchased for commercial use;
- product rental;
- repair or alteration of products.
An Important Example for Tourists
Imagine you find a suitcase of $80..
It costs less than $100, but is not exempt.
This is because bags are among the products excluded from the category of eligible clothing and handbags.
This is especially important information for those travelling to Orlando.
The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday does not apply to sales of eligible products within theme parks, entertainment complexes, accommodation establishments or airports.
This means that you should not assume that a purchase inside a Disney or Universal park will automatically be tax-free just because the product falls into one of the Tax Holiday categories.
For example:
You will find a backpack eligible for $70 in a store located inside a theme park.
Even though it's below the $100 limit, the sale does not receive the exemption from Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.
On the other hand, an eligible backpack purchased from a store that is not within one of these excluded areas may fit the exemption.
So for those who will take advantage of the period to shop in Orlando, it is worth paying attention not only to the product, but also to the place where the purchase is being made.
Yes. The benefit is not restricted to a specific city in Florida. So if you are in Orlando during the valid period, you can make eligible purchases and enjoy the exemption.
This may be interesting for those who want to buy:
- clothes;
- tennis;
- backpacks;
- school materials;
- educational products;
- computers;
- certain computer accessories.
For those shopping in Orlando, the big shopping malls, outlets and department stores can be good options to search for eligible products.
But remember: the establishment needs to be making a sale that fits the rules of Tax Holiday. Shopping within theme parks, hotels, airports and entertainment complexes are excluded.
? What about shopping in hotels?
There is also an important difference here.
The legislation excludes sales made within public lodging establishments, category which includes certain accommodation establishments.
Therefore, if you are staying in a hotel and find an eligible product at a store or point of sale located within the establishment, you should not assume that the purchase will be automatically exempt.
If the intention is to enjoy Tax Holiday, it is safer to make the purchase at a commercial establishment that is outside the areas excluded by legislation.
?? and shopping at the airport?
They don't come in either.
The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday rule excludes sales made within airports.
Therefore, even if you find a clothing, backpack or other product within the price limit, the purchase made at a store located at the airport does not automatically receive tax holiday exemption.
? Online shopping can also be exempted?
Yes, certain online purchases may fit the exemption.
The rule provides that eligible products purchased by a marketplace or a remote seller may be exempted when the application is made. accepted during the Tax Holiday period for immediate shipping Even if the delivery takes place after the end of the period.
That is, it is not correct to say that the exemption is only for physical stores.
An example
You find an eligible notebook in an online store and order during the Tax Holiday period.
If the order is accepted within the period and is intended for immediate dispatch, it may fit in with the exemption, even if the delivery takes place a few days later.
The situation may depend on the specific conditions of the sale, so it is important to check that the tax was properly withdrawn at the time of purchase.
Can Brazilian tourists enjoy the exemption?
The benefit is not presented by the legislation as exclusive to Florida residents.
The exemption is the framework for the sale and product in the Tax Holiday rules.
Therefore, a Brazilian tourist who is making an eligible purchase during the period can enjoy the exemption in the same way as other consumers.
It is not necessary to be a student, live in Florida or have an American residence to buy a shirt, backpack or other eligible product without tax during the period.
What you need to observe is:
- the date of purchase;
- the product purchased;
- the price per item;
- the place of purchase;
- and the other conditions established for the category.
? Do I need to present any documents or registration?
There is no specific consumer registration to participate in Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.
The exemption is applied to the sale when the product and transaction meet the conditions laid down.
Therefore, you do not need to present a “tax Holiday card” or make a prior registration only to be entitled to the benefit.
Still, it is important to check the note or proof of purchase to verify that the tax was withdrawn correctly.
When you purchase an eligible product during the correct period and in a sale that falls under the rules, the applicable tax should not be charged on that item.
For example:
If the T-shirt is eligible and the purchase is made during Tax Holiday:
Price: $50.
Tax applicable sales: $ 0
Total: $50.
A $110 shirt doesn't fit the exemption and will be taxed normally.
The same principle applies to the other categories: the price limit is a requirement for the item to be eligible.
Tax Holiday does not necessarily prevent the store from offering discounts, coupons or promotions.
This means you can find a product that is already on sale and, if the sale price and other conditions meet the rules, still enjoy the exemption.
But it's important to understand that Commercial discount and tax exemption are different things.
The discount reduces the price of the product.
Tax Holiday eliminates the tax applicable to the sale of an eligible product.
In some situations, the way discounts, coupons, sets and other promotions affect the sale price may interfere with the classification of the purchase. Therefore, in specific cases, it is worth checking the official rule or asking the store.
For those who already want to buy clothes, school materials or certain electronics, It might be worth a lot..
But I don't recommend buying something simply because it's tax-free.
The ideal is:
- define what you really want to buy;
- search prices before trip;
- compare stores;
- verify whether the product is eligible;
- check the price limit;
- calculate how much you will actually save;
- Enjoy promotions when they make sense.
This is especially important because a store can offer a promotion at another time of year that results in a better end price than that found during Tax Holiday.
1. Make a list before going out for shopping
Write down the products you really want to buy and check which ones can enter the exemption.
2. Search prices in advance
Don't just buy it because a sign appears saying “tax free”.
Compare prices between different stores and, when possible, do an online search before leaving the hotel.
3. Check the price of each item
Remember that the limits are set by item.
A $100 suit could be eligible.
A 101-dollar suit isn't.
4. Do not confuse backpack with suitcase
Backpacks and certain types of scholarships are among the eligible items.
Suitcases, briefcases and garment bags are among the excluded products.
5. Do not assume that electronics are included
Computers and certain accessories may be eligible.
Cell phones and video game consoles, for example, are excluded.
6. Avoid leaving everything for the last day
The period of 2026 runs until August 20, but products may run out of stock, especially the most sought after.
7. Check where you are buying
If the store is inside a theme park, airport, hotel or entertainment complex, the sale does not enter the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday exemption.
8. Keep your proofs
If there is any problem with the tax collection, the note or receipt will be important to verify the transaction.
9. Remember that Tax Holiday is not a general discount
It applies only to certain product categories and under the conditions laid down in the legislation.
? Is Tax Holiday useful only for those who have children?
No. Although the program was created mainly to help with the shopping related to the classes, tourists can also take advantage of the eligible categories.
You can, for example, take advantage of the period to buy:
- clothes;
- tennis;
- backpacks;
- eligible grants;
- certain school materials;
- learning products;
- computer or accessories eligible for personal use.
So even if you don't have children or aren't shopping for school, some categories may be interesting during the trip.
? Are there other tax-free periods in Florida?
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is not the only period of exemption created by Florida.
The dates and categories vary according to the legislation of each programme and each year.
In 2026, for example, the state also possesses a Hunting, Fishing and Camping Sales Tax Holiday, what happens from 1 September to 31 December for certain products related to hunting, fishing and camping.
As these periods have different rules and audiences, the ideal is to consult the official Florida Department of Revenue schedule before planning a purchase.
If you are already planning a trip to Florida and intend to buy products that are within the eligible categories, It might be a good opportunity to save.
But don’t let the word “tax free” make you buy more than you need.
The best business remains the one you find a product that I really wanted, for a good price, and still manages to save the tax.
So, search first, compare prices and use Tax Holiday as a tool to save — not as a reason to spend more.
In short: how to enjoy the Florida tax exemption
The most important thing for those who want to shop during Tax Holiday is to remember that:
- Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday takes place annually, but dates can change;
- ed 2026, the period runs from July 20th to August 20th;
- clothing, footwear and certain types of bags can be exempt up to $100 per item;
- Qualifying school materials can be exempt up to US$ 50 per item;
- eligible learning materials and puzzles can be exempted up to $30 per item;
- computers and certain accessories can be exempt up to $1,500 per item;
- mobile phones and video game consoles do not enter;
- bags don't come in;
- products above the established limits do not receive the exemption;
- purchases within theme parks, entertainment complexes, hotels and airports do not enter;
- certain online purchases may be eligible;
- Brazilian tourists can also enjoy the benefit;
- no specific registration is required to participate in Tax Holiday;
- the rules must be checked again every year.
In other words, tax exemption in Florida may be a great opportunity to save on your trip, but you need to know exactly what is within the rules before you pass the card.
Official sources
To check the updated rules, see the Florida Department of Revenue, which publishes the dates, product categories and conditions of each Sales Tax Holiday.
The rules, dates, price limits and eligible products can be changed by Florida legislation. This article is updated periodically, but official Florida Department of Revenue information should be considered the definitive source for each period.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tax Exemption in Florida
It is a period determined by state law during which certain products can be purchased without the collection of sales tax, provided they meet the conditions established.
The dates can change every year. In 2026, Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday happens from 20 July to 20 August.
Yes. The benefit is not exclusive to Florida residents. Tourists can take advantage of the exemption by buying eligible products during the period, provided the sale meets the program rules.
No. The consumer does not need to be a Florida student or resident to buy eligible products during Tax Holiday.
In 2026 certain clothing, footwear and handbags were introduced. $100., school materials of up to $50., learning materials and puzzles up to $30. and computers and certain accessories of up to $1,500. per item.
No. Cell phones and video game consoles are among the excluded products from Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.
No. The legislation excludes sales made within theme parks, entertainment complexes, hotels and airports.
Yes. Certain online purchases may fall under Tax Holiday rules, including when the order is accepted during the period for immediate shipping.
There is no specific registration to participate in Tax Holiday. The exemption is applied automatically when the purchase meets the conditions established.
