Department of Revenue holds Freedom Week sales event

Katie Krell
ECB Publishing, Inc.

The Florida Department of Revenue is having a Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday from Thursday, July 1, to Wednesday, July 7, to celebrate Independence Day. Consumers can purchase recreation and outdoor items that qualify, as well as admission for entertainment and cultural events exempt from tax. This event was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis.
For fishing supply sales, consumers can get the first five dollars of the sales price of fishing tackle or bait if sold individually or $10 if sold as a set, $30 of the sales price of tackle boxes or bags and $75 individually or $150 as a set for rods and reeds.
Camping supply sales include the first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights, $50 of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves and collapsible camping chairs and $200 of the sales price of tents.
Boating and water activity supply sales include the first $25 of the sales price of snorkels, goggles and swimming masks, $50 of safety flares and $75 of the price of life jackets, coolers, paddles and oars. Consumers can also get the first $150 of water skis, wake boards, knee boards and recreational inflatable water tubes or floats that can be towed. Other sales include the first $300 off of the sales price of paddle boards and surf boards and $500 of the price of kayaks and canoes.
Sales for general outdoor supplies include the first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen and insect repellent, $30 of water bottles and $50 of hydration packs and bicycle helmets. Sales also include the first $100 of the price of sunglasses, $200 of binoculars and $250 of outdoor gas or charcoal grills and bicycles.
Sports equipment sales are any item except for clothing or footwear used for either individual or team sports selling for under $40.
There are also sales for admissions to private and membership clubs providing physical fitness facilities, musical theater performances, live music events, live sporting events and movies. Admissions sales also apply to museum entry, state park entry, festivals, cultural events, ballets, plays and fairs.
The tax exemption does not apply to the rental or repair of qualifying items. It is also invalid for items purchased at any theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.
More information about the Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday can be found on the Florida Department of Revenue website at https://floridarevenue.com/FreedomWeek/Pages/default.aspx.