Fla. Introduces First ‘Freedom Week’ No-Sales-Tax Event

From July 1 to July 7, 2021, Fla. consumers can skip sales taxes on fun-time items, such as entertainment admissions, sporting equipment and camping supplies.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida introduced a new sales tax holiday this year and chose dates that coincide with the July 4 holiday. From July 1 to July 7, 2021, many of the items purchased for leisure activities won’t have an added sales tax.

The sales tax “Freedom Week” covers admissions to music, sporting and cultural events, plus movies, museums, state parks and fitness facilities (for events from July 1 through Dec. 31, 2021). Purchases of certain annual passes and season tickets are also exempt.

This sales tax holiday also applies to boating and water activity supplies, camping supplies, fishing supplies, general outdoor supplies and sports equipment.

The purchase rules can be tricky, and it’s best to confirm whether an item qualifies before shopping. According to the FAQs, for example, an outdoor gas grill is sales-tax exempt up to $250. However, if a consumer purchases a combination special – gas grill with a full tank of propane gas – for $350, the entire purchase is taxable and the gas-grill sales-tax savings won’t apply.

Since some of the tax-free items have monetary caps, date limitations or unexpected rules, the Florida Department of Revenue posted a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on its website.

Questions about a specific item may be found in Florida Tax Information Publication No. 21A01-05 or by calling the Florida Department of Revenue at (850) 488-6800.

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