This year, between Friday, July 1 and Thursday, July 7, Florida boaters and outdoor enthusiasts can score state-wide tax savings on a variety of boating and water activity supplies, camping and fishing gear, general outdoor provisions and more! The sales tax holiday, known as Freedom Week, was established by the Florida Legislature in 2021 to support Florida residents and businesses.
Here’s how Freedom Week works. For most products, a specified amount has been set by the Florida Legislature per item or category of item. Retail stores will not collect state sales tax until the retail price exceeds this specified amount. Then, the stores will only tax the portion of your purchase that exceeds the legislature’s set threshold.
We have prepared a list of tax breaks to consider before Freedom Week ends on Thursday, July 7. Take advantage of the opportunity to stock up on everything from basic boating supplies to outdoor grills, camping tents, surfboards and even sporting events.
Boating and Water Activity Supplies
When you load up the boat and head for open waters, what do you like to bring? Many of these boating basics qualify for the sales tax holiday. Here is the complete list of boating and water activity supplies that are exempted during Freedom Week by the State of Florida.
The first $25 of the sales price of:
- Goggles
- Snorkels
- Swimming masks
New for 2022! The first $35 of the sales price of:
- Inflatable chairs
- Pool floats
- Pool toys
- Recreational pool tubes
The first $50 of the sales price of:
- Safety flares
The first $75 of the sales price of:
- Coolers
- Life jackets
- Oars
- Paddles
The first $150 of the sales price of:
- Inflatable recreational water turns and floats capable of being towed
- Kneeboards
- Wakeboards
- Water skis
The first $300 of the sales price of:
- Paddleboards
- Surfboards
The first $500 of the sales price of:
- Canoes
- Kayaks
Fishing Supplies
Did you know that Florida is considered the “Fishing Capital of the World,” according to a survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. With its diverse habitats, tropical weather and miles of coastal shoreline, the state offers avid fishers and amateurs plenty of opportunities to cast a line. During Freedom Week, a range of related supplies are exempt from the state sales tax.
The first $5 of the sales price:
- Bait or fishing tackle if sold individually (or the first $10 if sold as a set)
- The first $30 of the sales price of:
- Tackle boxes or bags
- The first $75 of the sales price of:
- Rods and reels if sold individually (or the first $150 if sold as a set)
General Outdoor Supplies
A trip to open waters is always more fun with gear and gadgets. Prepare for your outdoor boating excursion to ensure you and your guests have a great experience. During Freedom Week, you can save on sales tax while outfitting your boat for the adventures to come.
The first $15 of the sales price of:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
The first $30 of the sales price of:
- Water bottles
The first $50 of the sales price of:
- Hydration packs
- Adult bicycle helmets
The first $100 of the sales price of:
- Non-prescription sunglasses
The first $200 of the sales price of:
- Binoculars
The first $250 of the sales price of:
- Bicycles
- Outdoor gas or charcoal grills
Camping Supplies
Boating and camping go hand in hand, especially for adventurers who enjoy the state’s inland habitat.
During Freedom Week, Florida will not collect the state sales tax on:
The first $30 of the sales price of:
- Camping lanterns
- Flashlights
The first $50 of the sales price of:
- Sleeping bags
- Portable hammocks
- Camping stoves
- Collapsible camping chairs
The first $200 of the sales price of:
- Tents
New for 2022! Residential Pool Supplies
Make a splash for summer when you save on a variety of residential pool supplies during Freedom Week. This new addition to Freedom Week is intended to offset the cost of maintenance and upkeep for Florida residents and commercial businesses.
The first $100 of the sales price of:
- Covers
- Filters
- Lights
- Nets
- Residential pool and spa replacement parts
The first $150 of the sales price of:
- Residential pool and spa chemicals when purchased by an individual
Additional Exemptions
Florida lawmakers included two other categories of sales tax exemptions as part of Freedom Week: sporting equipment and events.
For sports equipment, the sales tax holiday applies to any item used in individual or team sports, excepting any clothing or footwear. The item must be priced for $40 or less.
For events, Freedom Week eliminates the state sales tax for events or performances scheduled to be held July 1 through Dec. 31, 2022. Events include tickets or admissions to live music or sporting events, movie theaters, performances such as the ballet or musical play, fairs, festivals and cultural events. The exemption also includes entry to museums and state parks, as well as season tickets and annual passes purchased during the six-month period. Additionally, sales tax won’t be charged at private fitness centers.
Click here to view a PDF poster that lists all potential Freedom Week Tax Savings. If your summer plans should include less shopping and events and more boating, we’d love to do the heavy lifting! Complete our CONTACT FORM or REQUEST A QUOTE for your custom boat lift.
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