DeSantis' Tax Cuts And Florida Sales Tax Holidays

May 28, 2023

DeSantis' $1.3 billion Florida tax relief bill extends sales tax holidays and makes other tax cuts. Here's what you can buy tax-free — and when.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a $1.3 billion Florida sales tax relief bill into law. The legislation, which DeSantis describes as the largest tax cut in the state's history, defines 2023 sales tax holidays and makes several essential items permanently tax-free There's even a tax break for gas stoves.

"I will continue to push smart fiscal policy that will allow Florida families to keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. Stronger families make a stronger Florida," DeSantis said in a release regarding the bill.

The multi-billion tax relief bill came just in time to help Floridians keep more of their money. A temporary sales tax-exemption period for baby and toddler clothing, toddlers’ shoes and other items, was due to expire at the end of June. Now, Florida families can purchase these items beyond just this summer.

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While many other states eliminated the tax on diapers, the Florida tax relief bill exempts nearly all baby products from sales tax. Under the new bill, tax-exempt baby and toddler products include but are not limited to:

States Eliminating the Diaper Tax

Other items are tax-free under the 2023 Florida tax legislation as well, including oral hygiene products and firearm safes and lock boxes.

Last year, Florida only had one "back to school" sales tax holiday and one "disaster preparedness" tax holiday. Now, residents can look forward to two "back to school" shopping sales tax holidays when school supplies and some clothing and footwear (not limited to baby and toddler sizes) will be tax-exempt.

Additionally, Florida will have two "disaster preparedness" sales tax holidays in 2023 (exempts items such as flashlights and batteries). One has already begun.

There will also be a "Freedom Summer" rather than only a "freedom week" from May 29 through September 4, 2023. During this sales tax holiday, some athletic equipment and children's toys will be tax-exempt. Floridians can also purchase many event tickets (concerts, sporting events, etc.) tax-free during the freedom summer.

Florida State Tax Guide

Gov. DeSantis has been expressing his wishes to make gas stoves tax-exempt since at least February after he reportedly accused the Biden administration of wanting to ban gas ranges. A permanent sales tax exemption on gas stoves didn't make it into the law, but a one-year sales tax holiday on these appliances did.

Floridians can purchase gas ranges, gas cooktops, and some energy-efficient appliances tax-free any time between July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements

IRS Tax Deadline Relief for Florida

Katelyn has more than 6 years’ experience working in tax and finance. While she specializes in tax content, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement and financial planning and has had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes that knowledge is the key to success and enjoys helping others reach their goals by providing content that educates and informs.

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