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Millions of Floridians planning to take advantage of popular tax-free shopping holiday
by saving money on key school supplies, clothing and technology
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association representing retailers for over 75 years, reminds Florida families that the state’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday begins this Friday, August 7 and lasts through August 16. This 10-day extension equals the longest back-to-school shopping holiday since it was first started in 1998 and allows shoppers two full weekends to complete their buying needs. A complete list of eligible items can be found HERE.
“We are excited about the extended sales tax holiday that families and shoppers of all ages will be able to take advantage of,” said FRF President/CEO Rick McAllister. “Florida’s more than 270,000 retailers have been preparing for this popular holiday and are ready with great sales and opportunities for shoppers to save on clothing, supplies and technology items.”
According to the National Retail Federations’ Retail Insight Center Monthly Consumer Survey of more than 6,400 adults nationwide, 29 percent of households with school-age kids plan to spend more than last year for back-to-school, compared with nearly 24 percent who said the same thing this time last year. As for college students and their families, nearly three in 10 plan to spend more this summer, up from 23 percent last year.
The positive uptick in planned spending means that retailers’ back-to-school season could bring a welcome boost in sales. Regardless of their spending plans this summer, the economy is still top of mind for some families, especially when it comes to making sure their children have what they need for the school year.
Among those who say the economy will impact their back-to-school and college spending plans, 32 percent of college shoppers plan to comparison shop online to make sure they get the best bang for their buck, up from nearly 28 percent last year. More than 31 percent of school shoppers will compare prices online, compared with nearly 30 percent last year.
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 more information, visit the FRF website, and follow FRF on Facebook and Twitter.
Back-to-school sales tax holiday begins this Friday, August 7
