I won’t be packing school lunches and helping kids with homework this year, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take part in Florida’s extended, back-to-school, sales-tax holiday.
And, there’s more than crayons on my shopping list.
The rules are simple. If you’re willing to brave the crowds, you don’t have to be a parent or college student to enjoy the savings. Under the new law shoppers have more time than the traditional single weekend to skip sales tax. This year the holiday runs from today to Aug. 16 at 11:59 p.m.
Most retailers are coupling this small tax savings with Black Friday-like promotions. They’re also hoping the 10-day savings marathon may spread out the crowds.
Beyond traditional school items the law also exempts clothing, shoes and select accessories priced at less than $100 from tax. Personal computers and some computer-related accessories selling for less than $750 are also part of the holiday.
The National Retail Federation has predicted that families are going to spend less this year on back-to-school items than in 2014. Maybe that’s why there are some more obscure items on the list?
This is also the week to skip taxes on lingerie, diaper bags, slippers, ski suits, tuxedos, fishing vests, baby clothes, bathing suits, bowling shoes and several other obscurities listed here: http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/tips/pdf/tip15a01-05_2015final06192015.pdf
The list suggests most shoppers are more concerned with vacations than hitting the books, but I’m not judging.
Plus, I’m new here (see the bio below), and I need Florida-appropriate shoes. Maybe I should send the state legislature a thank-you note.
Photo by istockphoto
