School Supplies Archives - The Talley Group

July 23, 2025 | Travis Talley

Florida Back to School Tax Free 2025 is back, and this year it’s bigger than ever—running for a full month, from August 1 to August 31, 2025. That’s 31 whole days to stock up on school supplies, clothing, and even personal tech without paying sales tax. Whether you’re a parent preparing for back-to-school season, a college student shopping for dorm essentials, or a teacher getting ready for the classroom, this extended tax holiday is your chance to save on essentials you’d buy anyway. And yes—online purchases count, as long as they’re made and shipped during the tax-free period.

This year’s back-to-school tax holiday is especially exciting because it’s now a permanent annual event, written into Florida law to help families manage rising costs during the school season. With the price of tech and supplies climbing, these savings add up quickly—especially if you’re buying multiple items or upgrading laptops and accessories.

What’s Included?

Here’s what you can buy tax-free this August in Florida:

Clothing, footwear, and accessories – $100 or less per item
School supplies – $50 or less per item (includes notebooks, folders, calculators, etc.)
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles – $30 or less per item
Personal computers and accessories – $1,500 or less per item, for non-commercial use

Make sure to check the price caps—if an item exceeds the limit, the entire purchase becomes taxable.

💡 Pro Tips to Maximize Savings

Shop early – Popular sizes and tech items sell out fast.
Stack store discounts – Many retailers run back-to-school promotions alongside the tax-free savings.
Keep receipts – Some stores offer price adjustments if an item drops in price during the holiday.
Order online – Purchases qualify if ordered and paid for within August 1–31, even if delivered later (CPA Practice Advisor).

County-Wide Supply Lists

Santa Rosa County – School Supply Lists
Escambia County – District & School Supply Lists
Walton County – Bay School & Dune Lakes Elementary
Okaloosa County – Plew Elementary & More
Bay County – TeacherLists Database
Baldwin County (AL) – District-Wide Lists

🏖️ Local Spotlight

As families prepare for the new school year, Gulf Breeze Elementary (GBE) encourages parents to take advantage of the Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday when shopping for the recently released 2025–2026 supply lists.

The school also reminds the community that one of the best ways to help students in need is through monetary donations, which GBE uses to provide school supplies, field trip assistance, and other support throughout the year. Donations can be made via MySchoolBucks (“Donate to GBE”) or by check payable to the school.

Ready to Shop?

Mark your calendars, make your lists, and take advantage of Florida Back to School Tax Free 2025 from August 1 to August 31. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, this is your chance to stretch your back-to-school budget—and maybe even make a difference by helping local families at the same time.

🛒 FAQs

Q: Do online orders really count?
A: Yes, as long as the order is completed and shipped during August 1–31.

Q: Are backpacks tax-free?
A: Yes, if priced at $100 or less—they’re classified under clothing and accessories (Florida Department of Revenue).

Q: Who can benefit from this holiday?
A: Everyone—parents, students, teachers, homeschoolers, and even remote workers buying personal tech.

Q: What items aren’t included?
A: Smartphones, gaming consoles, rentals, repairs, or purchases made at theme parks, airports, and hotels are excluded.

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by Travis Talley | July 15, 2024

As the summer comes to an end and the new school year approaches, families in the Florida Gulf Coast area need to prepare efficiently for the back-to-school season. From organizing supplies to understanding school district maps, the following guide offers a comprehensive approach to ensure a smooth transition. With careful planning and utilizing local resources, families can navigate this transitional period with ease and excitement for the year ahead.

Back to School - Tax Free Holiday

One of the most significant advantages for families preparing for the new school year is the Back to School – Tax Free Holiday. This event provides an opportunity to purchase essential school supplies, clothing, and even certain electronics without paying sales tax. For 2024, the tax-free period is between July 29 to August 11. This window allows families to plan and shop strategically, resulting in substantial savings.

What's included?

Here are the items exempt from sales tax:

Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles – $30 below
Most school supplies – $50 below
Clothing, footwear and accessories – $100 below
Computers and related accessories (purchased for non-commercial and personal use) – $1,500 below

Creating a Back-to-School Checklist

A well-organized checklist is crucial for a successful back-to-school preparation. This ensures that nothing is overlooked and that the transition is as seamless as possible.

School Supplies

Start with the basics and add specific items required by the school or teachers. Here are some fundamental supplies:

Writing Instruments: Pencils, pens, markers, and highlighters.
Paper Products: Notebooks, loose-leaf paper, and binders.
Organizational Tools: Folders, planners, and pencil cases.
Art Supplies: Crayons, colored pencils, and scissors.
Technology: USB drives, headphones, and laptops (if required).

School District Resources

Most school districts provide detailed maps and boundary information on their official websites. Utilize the following resources to find accurate and updated resources for your school district:

Escambia County