FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 20, 2022

CONTACT: AMANDA BEVIS
(202) 680-9262

The Florida Retail Federation Celebrates Florida's Men & Women in Blue at Annual Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award Dinner

ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) honored Detective Sergeant Nicholas Ferrara of the Gainesville Police Department Tuesday night at the 2022 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards Dinner. 

Detective Sergeant Ferrara is known globally for his proficiency in facial recognition technology, automatic license plate readers, and expertise in open-source intelligence. Nicknamed “The Wizard” Detective Sergeant Ferrara has successfully identified more than 1,000 witnesses, offenders and victims in support of law enforcement investigations.

“His passion for people, partnership and technology has enabled Detective Sergeant Ferrara to identify countless suspects involved in criminal activity, not only in Florida but across the globe,” said Dan Doyle, Executive Committee Member of the Florida Retail Federation, and Chief Human Resources Officer at Bealls. “He is a tremendous partner to retailers throughout our state, and his willingness to work with other law enforcement agencies to close organized retail crime cases is exceptional.”

Detective Sergeant Ferrara has been part of the Gainesville Police Department for more than 25 years. Throughout this time, he has built an extensive network of contacts to support his investigations- if he doesn’t have the answer, he knows someone who does.  His impact reaches far beyond the city limits of Gainesville, and beyond state lines as he partners with other law enforcement agencies, retailers and financial institutions across the nation and as far as the United Kingdom.

As a result of his efforts, Detective Sergeant Ferrara has successfully identified offenders involved in murder, serial rapists, international organized crime, large-scale credit card fraud and multi-million-dollar schemes.

“Florida's retailers are proud to partner with Florida’s law enforcement officers to keep our communities and businesses safe,” said Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the FRF. “Law enforcement is our greatest ally in combatting organized retail crime. We are grateful for all of Florida’s law enforcement officers who selflessly serve  to protect our communities.”

FRF also recognized the 2022 runner-up, Detective Diane Wantuck of the Coral Springs Police Department. During her 17 years with the agency, Detective Wantuck has successfully unraveled organized retail crime offenders, groups and fences, and is an invaluable partner in fighting ORC throughout South Florida

Since 1974, the FRF has cherished the tradition of celebrating Florida’s outstanding law enforcement community for their dedication to keeping Florida residents safe. This year the selection committee for the FRF awards program received dozens of worthy nominations with endless accounts of heroism and selflessness in the line of duty.

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 $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 6, 2022
CONTACT: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(202) 680-9262

Florida Retailers are Stocked and Ready to Help Shoppers Find All They Need for A Delightfully Frightful Holiday Season.

Tallahassee, FL – Halloween is poised to be more popular than ever this year. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, 69% of shoppers plan to celebrate the frightful holiday this year, an increase from 65% in the previous year. Data reveals that the spike in ghouls and ghosts planning to celebrate this year will bring a record spending estimate of $10.6 billion, an increase over $10.1 billion in 2021. 

"Florida shoppers are thrilled more than ever to celebrate Halloween," shared Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation. "Many have already started their seasonal shopping. Luckily, Florida retailers have stocked up on costumes, candy, decorations and more to help families and children have a delightful, frightful holiday. Whether you're trick-or-treating, hosting a Halloween party, planning a neighborhood hayride or just handing out candy, remember to shop local and support Florida retail."

Nearly half of shoppers (47%) began shopping for Halloween last month. Those preparing for the October holiday are looking forward to a variety of spooky activities. The top Halloween activities this year include: 

• Handing out candy - 67% 
• Decorating their home or yard - 51%
• Dressing up in a costume - 47% 
• Carving a pumpkin - 44% 
• Throwing or attending a Halloween party - 28% 

Nationally, consumers plan to spend $100 on average, for Halloween candy, cards, costumes and decor. Children's and adult costumes will be the most popular purchase this year with spending expected to reach $2.9 billion, breaking the highest forecast since 2017. 

For a second consecutive year, Spiderman will be the top children's costume this year, and princess settles for the number two spot again.

1. Spiderman 
2. Princess
3. Witch
4. Ghost
5. Batman / Superhero 
6. Pumpkin
7. Zombie
8. Vampire
9. Pirate
10. Superman

Pet owners who plan to include their furry friend in the festivities will spend $710 million this Halloween. Shoppers still cannot get enough of pumpkin, as the survey reveals the beloved orange squash as the fan-favorite costume for pets for the seventh year in a row. The top five pet costumes are: 

• Pumpkin - 9 percent
• Hot Dog - 5 percent
• Bat - 4 percent
• Bumblebee - 3 percent
• Witch - 3 percent

Consumers continue to find ways to save money, with 40% of shoppers planning to purchase their Halloween gear from discount stores, 36% looking toward specialty Halloween or costume stores, and 31% planning to shop online.

Shoppers can "Find It In Florida" and support Florida retailers when stocking up this Halloween. Supporting local retailers helps boost the local economy and community businesses. Learn more about the "Find It In Florida" program at the website. 

For more information on the predictions of the National Retail Federation, visit: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/halloween-participation-returns-pre-pandemic-levels-record-spending 

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 $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 20, 2022
CONTACT: Amanda Bevis (202) 680-9262

“Tax savings on back-to-school items will provide welcome relief to Florida families,” said Scott Shalley, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation. “Stock up July 25 through August 7 at your local Florida retail store. Many stores are offering additional sales to help families find savings get what they need to succeed this school year. Remember to ‘Find It In Florida’ and support local retailers when shopping for back-to-school items.”

The following items are available for purchase tax-free from July 25 through August 7:

• Clothing, footwear, and certain accessories with a sales price of $100 or less per item;
• Certain school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item;
• Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less; and
• Personal computers and certain computer-related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less, when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.

Families can also find additional tax-free savings on the retail sale of children’s diapers and baby and toddler clothing, apparel, and footwear, now through June 30, 2023, and children’s books (children ages 12 or younger) through August 14, 2022.

A recent survey conducted by the National Retail Federation revealed that 25% of consumers have already started shopping for school supplies. As inflation continues to impact families, 38% of consumers plan to cut back spending in other areas to cover back-to-school purchases.

Total back-to-school spending this year is matched with 2021’s forecast of $37 billion. Households with children who are K-12 students will spend $864 on average on supplies for the new school year, approximately $15 more than last year. College students and their families will spend around $1,199 on average this year. Electronics remain the top spending category for back-to-school and college shopping.

There are more than 270,000 retail stores in Florida, and one in five jobs is tied to Florida retail. 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.

Visit www.fldoe.org to learn more about what you need to prepare and help your children return to school safely. For a full list of eligible tax-free supplies, please visit FloridaRevenue.com/BacktoSchool.

This year’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday was established when Governor DeSantis signed HB 7071 into law on May 6.

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 $35 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.

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.