FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 27, 2022
CONTACT:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (202) 680-9262

Tallahassee, FL — The Florida Retail Federation encourages Floridians to take advantage of the cost savings and shop local during the second annual Freedom Week Tax-Free Holiday. Shoppers can make tax-free purchases on a large variety of outdoor and recreational supplies beginning this Friday.

“Now is the time for Floridians to enjoy a discount on summer fun,” said Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation. “Thanks to the leadership of the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis, shoppers can once again find tax-free savings on all eligible summer essentials during the 2022 Freedom Week Tax Holiday. Florida retailers are ready to help Floridians find what they need to make the most of their summer. Don’t forget to shop local and “Find It In Florida.” When you support Florida retail stores, you’re supporting Florida jobs and Florida families.”

The tax-free savings of the 2022 Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday includes boating and activity supplies, camping and fishing gear, sporting equipment and entertainment, and more.

The tax holiday begins this Friday, July 1, and runs seven days through Thursday, July 7.

The criteria for tax-free savings on boating and water activities include:

• The first $75 on the price of boating and water activity supplies;
• The first $35 on the price of recreational pool tubes, floats, inflatable chairs and pool toys;
• The first $50 on the price of safety flares;
• The first $75 on life jackets and coolers;
• The first $150 on the price of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and recreational inflatable water tubes or floats;
• The first $300 on the price of paddleboards and surfboards;
• The first $500 on the price of canoes and kayaks;
• The first $75 on the price of paddles and oars; and
• The first $25 on the price of snorkels, goggles, and swimming masks.

Floridians may also enjoy tax-free purchases on the following camping supplies:

• The first $200 on the purchase of tents;
• The first $50 on the price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves, and collapsible camping chairs; and
• The first $30 on the price of camping lanterns and flashlights.

Florida shoppers more interested in fishing can find savings on:

• The first $75 on the price of individual rods and reels; or
• The first $150 on the price of a set of rods and reels;
• The first $30 on the price of tackle boxes or bags; and
• The first $5 on the price of individual bait or fishing tackle; or 
• The first $10 on the price of multiple bait and tackle items sold together.

Other recreational savings include tax-free purchases such as:

• Up to the first $15 on the price of sunscreen or insect repellant;
• The first $100 on a pair of sunglasses;
• The first $200 on a pair of binoculars;
• The first $30 on the price of water bottles;
• The first $50 on the price of hydration packs;
• The first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills;
• The first $50 of the sales price of bicycle helmets;
• The first $250 of the sales price of bicycles;
• The first $100 on residential pool and spa replacement parts;
• The first $150 on residential pool and spa chemicals; and
• The first $40 on sports equipment.

Floridians can also save on equipment used for individual or team sports purposes. This does not include clothing or footwear selling for $40 or less.

Other items that you can purchase tax-free include the following events scheduled from July 1 through December 31, 2022:

• Live music events;
• Live sporting events;
• Movies at the movie theater;
• Entry to a museum, including annual passes;
• Entry to a state park, including annual passes;
• Entry to a ballet, play, or musical theatre performance;
• Season tickets for ballets, plays, music events, or musical theatre performances;
• Entry to a fair, festival, or cultural event; or
• Access or use of private and/or membership clubs providing physical fitness facilities.

This year’s Freedom Week Tax-Free Holiday was established when Governor DeSantis signed HB 7071 into law on May 6.

The Florida Retail Federation encourages Floridians to shop local and" Find It In Florida" when browsing for their summer gear. Whether you enjoy camping, fishing, or just relaxing at the beach, when shoppers "Find It In Florida" and shop local retailers, they help boost the local economy and support community businesses. Learn more about the "Find It In Florida" program at the  website.

ABOUT  THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
The Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers -- the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide one out of every five jobs in the state, pay more than $52 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.