The Florida Department of Revenue announced that a sales‑tax holiday for hunting, fishing and camping supplies is now in effect, running from September 1 until December 31. This state‑wide initiative is designed to ease the cost of outdoor recreation for families, veterans, and anyone who enjoys the natural beauty of the Sunshine State.
What items qualify
All qualifying products are exempt from the state’s 6 percent sales tax, provided they meet the price thresholds listed below.
- Hunting gear: ammunition, firearms, firearm accessories, barrels, cases, range bags, cleaning kits, handguards, holsters, internal parts, magazines, pistol grips, shooting chronographs, shooting mats, rests, bipods, sights or optics, slides, cylinders, slings, stocks, braces, suppressors, triggers, bows, crossbows, and related accessories such as arrows, bolts, quivers, releases, and wrist guards.
- Fishing gear: bait or tackle sold individually (up to $10) or as a set (up to $20), flashlights, camping lanterns, tackle boxes or bags (up to $30), rods and reels sold individually (up to $50) or as a set (up to $150), and other fishing accessories that fall within the price limits.
- Camping equipment: camping stoves, collapsible chairs, portable hammocks, sleeping bags (up to $75), tents (up to $200), and other camping supplies that meet the specified price caps.
What’s excluded
The holiday does not apply to rentals, repairs, or purchases made at theme parks, amusement venues, public lodging facilities, entertainment complexes, or airports. Consumers should verify that the items they intend to buy are eligible before checkout.
How businesses can participate
Retailers across the state are encouraged to display signage indicating the tax‑free status of qualifying items. The Department of Revenue has provided guidance documents and promotional materials on its website, FloridaRevenue.com, to help merchants correctly apply the exemption and avoid processing errors.
Why the holiday matters
Florida’s outdoor industry contributes billions of dollars to the state economy each year and supports thousands of jobs. By removing the sales tax on essential gear, the administration hopes to stimulate consumer spending, encourage family outings, and reinforce the state’s reputation as a premier destination for hunting, fishing and camping. The move aligns with President Trump’s broader emphasis on supporting traditional families, personal liberty, and faith‑based stewardship of God‑given natural resources.
What families should know
Parents planning weekend trips or school‑age youth groups can now purchase needed equipment without the added tax burden. This holiday also benefits veterans and seniors who rely on hunting and fishing for recreation and sustenance. Consumers are advised to keep receipts and verify that purchases fall within the price limits to ensure the tax exemption applies.
For the most up‑to‑date list of qualifying items and detailed instructions, visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s dedicated page at FloridaRevenue.com.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
