DeSantis Signs Bill With Expanded Sales Tax Holiday, Permanent Exemption For Baby Products

May 26, 2023

Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed what he says in the largest tax relief plan in Florida’s history, providing Florida families with $2.7 billion in tax relief during the 2023–2024 fiscal year. The tax relief package includes a permanent exemption for baby and toddler necessities such as strollers, cribs, diapers, and baby wipes. Additionally, the tax relief package includes two back-to-school sales tax holidays lasting 14 days each, two disaster preparedness sales tax holidays lasting 14 days each, and a freedom summer sales tax holiday on recreational items and children’s toys that will last from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Permanent sales tax exemptions included in the tax relief package will save Florida families nearly $234 million. Those exemptions are targeted to cover baby and toddler needs like cribs, playpens, strollers, child safety products, diapers, baby wipes, bottles, and clothing and shoes for children under age 5. Other items permanently exempt from sales tax will include oral hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste and firearm safety devices.

  • Sales tax holidays included in the tax relief package for the 2023–2024 fiscal year:
  • Back-to-School sales tax holidays will take place July 24 – August 6, 2023, and January 1 – January 14, 2024.
  • Disaster Preparedness sales tax holidays will take place May 27 – June 9, 2023, and August 26 – September 8, 2023.
  • The Freedom Summer sales tax holiday lasts from Memorial Day through Labor Day of this year.
  • The Tools and Equipment sales tax holiday will take place from September 2 – September 8, 2023.

Additionally, the tax relief package includes a one-year sales tax exemption on gas stoves and Energy Star appliances. There will also be a reduction in the tax rate on business rent from the current 5.5% down to 4.5% effective December 1, 2023, to help small businesses keep more of their profits.

“Because of President Biden’s disastrous economic policies, Florida families are feeling the pressure of inflation on their wallets,” said DeSantis. “But in Florida, we are ensuring that our state’s economic success gets passed on to the people that made it possible. 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.”

Comments

3 Responses to “DeSantis Signs Bill With Expanded Sales Tax Holiday, Permanent Exemption For Baby Products”

  1. Reader on May 26th, 2023 3:22 pm

    Lee wrote “Okay, but what about a break for senior citizens? …How about tax cuts that benefit all our citizens?”

    Yeah, because senior citizens were left out. Senior citizens don’t buy anything for disaster/hurricane prep, tools, gas stoves, school supplies or baby goods for grands they raise, or anything for summer.

    Senior citizens benefit as well.

  2. Lee on May 26th, 2023 2:51 pm

    Okay, but what about a break for senior citizens? They are on fixed incomes, but their homeowners insurance doubled, too. And what about electric costs? How about tax cuts that benefit all our citizens?

  3. Robert on May 26th, 2023 8:14 am

    I like his thinking…I am proud to live in Florida where we have a governor who puts his citizens first.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News