WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Back-to-school is top of mind for parents right now, and starting Monday, there’ll be a little break to your pocket.
The state’s sales tax-free holiday on some school supplies lasts through Aug. 6.
Here’s what you don’t have to pay taxes on:
• Personal computers or accessories costing $1,500 or less.
• Backpacks, most clothes, shoes under $100.
• Traditional school supplies under $50 that include pencils and folders.
• Learning aids and puzzles under $30.
The complete list is on the state's Department of Revenue website.
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The National Retail Federation said families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $890.07 on back-to-school items this year, approximately $25 more than last year’s record of $864.35, and a new high.
Leigh Sherwood, single mom of two, lives in Wellington and is trying to save money despite rising prices.
“I’m definitely a penny pincher, very frugal," Sherwood told WPTV's Briana Nesprel. "You have to be with two kids and the costs of things these days.
“She needs clothes for every day. He needs new sneakers, new running shoes. And of course we need school supplies, papers, pencils, calculators. You name it, they need it.”
Back-to-school spending is expected to reach an unparalleled $45 billion this year, which is up from roughly $37 billion last year. Back-to-college spending is expected to hit $94 billion this year, about $20 billion more than last year's record
Aug. 10 is the first day of school in Palm Beach County, Treasure Coast and Okeechobee County. Broward opens Aug. 21 and Miami-Dade Aug. 17.
“Summer’s been fun but we’re ready for school to start," Sherwood said.
Another back-to-school tax holiday will be Jan. 1-14, 2024.
And other tax holidays include disaster preparedness Aug. 26-Sept. 8, Freedom Summer (events, activities) through Sept. 4, gas range and cook tops, home hardening (through June 30, 2024), tool time (Sept. 2-8).
