Lakeland, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis used a press conference at the Tenoroc Shooting Range on Monday to announce a second consecutive sales‑tax holiday for firearms, ammunition, hunting, fishing and camping equipment. The holiday, which began Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, exempts qualifying items from the state’s sales tax, providing what officials expect to be tens of millions of dollars in savings for outdoor enthusiasts across Florida.
What qualifies for the tax holiday
The Florida Department of Revenue says the holiday covers a wide range of items. Firearms such as pistols, rifles and shotguns, along with ammunition, bows, crossbows and related accessories, are eligible. Camping and fishing supplies—including tents, sleeping bags, portable stoves, lanterns, fishing rods, reels, bait and tackle—also qualify.
For fishing bait and tackle, the exemption applies to individual items priced at $10 or less, or to multiple items sold together for $20 or less. The holiday also expands relief for certain firearm accessories and doubles the price threshold for eligible fishing bait and tackle, according to the state’s budget materials.
Economic impact
State officials project that the holiday will generate tens of millions of dollars in sales‑tax savings for Florida hunters, anglers and campers. By reducing the cost of essential gear, the measure aims to encourage more families to enjoy the state’s abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, supporting both public health and the local economy.
Florida Archery Center groundbreaking
During the same event, DeSantis announced plans to break ground on a new Florida Archery Center at Tenoroc. The center will add archery facilities to an already extensive complex that includes rifle and handgun ranges, sporting clays, trap shooting, air‑rifle lanes and a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and paddling.
“I’m excited to be able to offer even more great outdoor pursuits for Florida families,” DeSantis said. The Archery Center is expected to broaden shooting‑sports options for residents and visitors, further cementing Tenoroc’s role as a premier outdoor‑recreation destination.
How to find eligible items
The Florida Department of Revenue maintains a complete list of qualifying products on its website. Consumers can review the list to ensure their purchases meet the holiday’s criteria before the Dec. 31 deadline.
Community response
Local outdoor‑sport enthusiasts and business owners have welcomed the announcement. The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce noted that the tax holiday could boost sales for local retailers that specialize in hunting, fishing and camping gear, while also encouraging families to spend more time outdoors together.
Overall, the tax holiday and the upcoming Archery Center reflect the DeSantis administration’s commitment to preserving Florida’s outdoor heritage, supporting family recreation, and delivering tangible tax relief to residents.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
