Ready or not, it’s back-to-school season.
It’s also time to take advantage of Florida’s tax-free holiday which this year has been extended from one weekend to an entire month of tax-free sales on qualifying school items. This means parents in Florida will be able to get basic school supplies before classes begin, and continue saving on some supplies into the school year, which starts on Aug. 11 in Flagler and Volusia counties.
There are also many back-to-school bashes sponsored by area school districts and community organizations that are not only fun but a chance to score on free giveaways for backpacks, supplies, physicals and even haircuts.
Here’s what to know about Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday and where and when those back-to-school events take place across the greater Daytona Beach area.
How long are the back-to-school tax-free days in Florida?
This year, the sales tax holiday in Florida that coincides with the beginning of the school year runs from Aug. 1 through 31, according to the Florida Department of Revenue.
What is included in Florida’s back-to-school tax-free holiday?
Many back-to-school supplies are eligible for the month-long sales tax-free holiday in Florida.
Items exempt from sales tax from Aug. 1 to 31 include:
Personal computers or personal computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use having a sales price of $1,500 or less, including:
Wallets and bags having a sales price of $100 or less per item, including:
Briefcases, suitcases, and other garment bags are excluded.
School supplies having a sales price of $50 or less per item, including:
Staplers and staples used to secure paper products.
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles having a sales price of $30 or less, including:
Flashcards or other learning cards.
Interactive or electronic books and toys intended to teach reading or math skills.
Matching or other memory games.
Puzzle books and search-and-find books.
Stacking or nesting blocks or sets.
Clothing, footwear, and accessories having a sales price of $100 or less per item, including shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, shorts and other apparel; shoes, boots, sandals and other footwear; and accessories such as belts, hats, gloves and scarves.
Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday runs from Aug. 1 to 31, 2025.
Back-to-school events in Flagler and Volusia
Flagler Schools Back-to-School Jam
Details: Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the athletic center gymnasium at Flagler-Palm Coast High School, 5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast. Highlights include backpack giveaways (while supplies last); local vendors showcasing after-school activities; and a chance to meet school leaders.
European Village Back-to-School Bash
Details: Thursday, Aug. 7, starts at 6 p.m., European Village, 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Palm Coast. Enjoy free school supplies, entertainment, food and drinks, games and more.
Calvary Kids Back-to-School Splash
Details: Thursday, July 30 and Friday, Aug. 1, from 4 – 7 p.m. each day at 1687 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach. Highlights include giveaways, games, activities, water fun, worship and more.
Florida Technical College Back-to-School Giveaway
Details: Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. – noon at Florida Technical College, 1199 S. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. The event includes free backpacks and school supplies, electronic device raffles, family activities, free medical check-ups, food trucks and program demonstrations.
Port Orange Luau Back-to-School Bash
Details: Sunday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at The Rec Center, 4655 City Center Circle, Port Orange. Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt and enjoy free school supplies and backpacks, plus inflatables, music, games and free lunch.
Back-to-School Safety Fair
Details: Sunday, Aug. 4 from 8 – 11 a.m. at The Center Deltona, 1640 Dr. MLK Blvd., Deltona. Enjoy free shots, free haircuts, free school supplies, free backpacks and more.
Orange City Summer Splash Bash
Details: Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 476 S. Volusia Ave., Orange City. A day of free family fun with water games, crafts and activities for all ages. Drop off school supplies like crayons, folders, or backpacks to support our community drive.
USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida Staff Writers Lianna Norman, Samantha Neely and Cheryl McCloud contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday extended in 2025