Tax Holiday

DeSantis signed the tax-cut package as he also approved a new state budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which will start Tuesday.

Lawmakers crafted a compromise budget and tax cut package, which would save taxpayers and reduce state revenues by an estimated $1.3 billion a year, according to legislative staff.

It would take effect with the July 1 start of the 2025-2026 fiscal year but remains subject to vetoes from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The House and Senate will vote on the package next week along with a budget for 2025-26. The plan is projected to reduce state and local government revenue by about $1.3 billion next fiscal year.

It runs during the peak of hurricane season, from Aug. 24 through Sept. 6.

The state has begun a tax "holiday" that will allow back-to-school shoppers to avoid paying sales taxes on items such as clothes, school supplies and laptops.

Retailers hope outdoor enthusiasts planning to buy canoes, fishing gear or tickets to ball games have become more aware of a sales-tax "holiday" in July aimed, at least in part, at encouraging people to be more active.

Items such as generators, batteries, and pet supplies will be available tax-free from June 1-14 ahead of what is predicted to be a "turbulent" hurricane season.

The package creates new tax holidays in the state, and provides tax relief for homeowners and small business owners.

The Florida Senate on Thursday rolled out a wide-ranging tax package that includes offering sales-tax "holidays" and modest discounts on property-insurance policies.

It includes items such as clothes, backpacks, school supplies, and personal computers and related accessories that cost $1,500 or less.

This Saturday marks the start of Florida’s second Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday. It runs through Friday, Sept. 8.