Starting today, Floridians looking to embrace the outdoors during the scorching summer months can do so with a bit more cash in their pockets, thanks to the return of the "Freedom Sales Tax Holiday." Governor Ron DeSantis made a point to underline that this reinstated 'holiday,' occurring throughout the month of July, serves as an incentive for residents to engage in recreational activities while enjoying an economic reprieve from the usual sales tax. FOX 13 reports consumers can capitalize on tax-free purchases on a wide array of sporting goods, from fishing gear to camping supplies.

Under the tax holiday, which is part of tax package (HB 7073) passed in March, Floridians won't see the customary sales tax applied to numerous recreational items. The break also extends to event tickets, including live music and sporting events, with provisions that even items and events purchased in July for future dates until the end of the year will stay tax-exempt, according to information from CBS News Miami. A statement by the Florida Retail Federation President Scott Shalley, expressed optimism that "this more narrowed focus" will increase consumer awareness and provide a summer boost to retailers. 

According to CBS News Miami,the Tax Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., offers a counterpoint, labelling sales-tax holidays as "political gimmicks," which don't necessarily foster economic growth but shift purchase timings, sometimes even prompting retailers to hike prices during these periods. However, local businesses like Whitney's Bait and Tackle see the holiday as potentially beneficial. "That'd be great for our business and help everybody's business that this falls under, which is a great idea. So, I'm glad to see it. Especially for me. I buy a lot of tackles, so that's a break for me," Jim Bryan, an employee, as reposted by NBC-2.

Rentals of gear such as kayaks and fishing equipment remain tax-applicable, and the purchases at locations such as theme parks and airports are not covered. Furthermore, while tax exemptions apply to ticketed events, associated costs like parking and memorabilia could still incur taxes. This nuance is something Ticketmaster has noted on their website, indicating that additional services tied to live events may not benefit from the tax-free status. The inception of the tax holiday began in 2021 and, despite a longer stint in the previous year, it is limited this year to July only.

Apart from enlivening the retail sector and providing consumers with savings, the Freedom Holiday's fiscal implication for the state and local tax revenues is estimated at a reduction of $91.8 million. As reported by, CBS News, Gov. DeSantis emphasized, is for Floridians to "get people outdoors" and "have fun" during the peak of summer, a sentiment echoed by residents like Dawn Harris who sees the tax reprieve as a way to really incentivize us.