8-1-23
https://archive.ph/H92n2
Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, joined by Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s deputy secretary for land and recreation Mara Gambineri and Florida Wildlife Commission Executive Director Roger Young, addressed a modest crowd on Aug. 1, 2023, at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in north Palm Beach to encourage Floridian families to take advantage of Gov. DeSantis’ Freedom Summer sales tax holiday. (Abigail Hasebroock/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Against a backdrop of palm fronds, Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez addressed a modest crowd at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in north Palm Beach Tuesday morning, reminding Floridians across the state to use the perks created through Florida’s Freedom Summer sales tax holiday.
“Take advantage of those tax savings, take advantage of our great state parks, our recreational activities and get out there for a tax-free good time,” she said.
The Freedom Summer sales tax holiday began on Memorial Day and will run through Labor Day Weekend, giving Floridians a little more than a month to save.
So, what qualifies for tax exemption under this tax break?
• Outdoor recreation supplies, such as kayaks, canoes, life jackets, coolers, tents, paddleboards and pool floats.
• Camping and fishing supplies.
• State park entry and annual passes.
• Children’s toys and athletic equipment.
• Tickets for museums and events such as concerts, fairs, sporting events and theater productions.
The price tag for these items must be under a certain number, however. For example, the tax exemption for canoes and kayaks only applies if their price is $500 or less.
“Now is a great time for you and your family to enjoy freedom summer,” Nuñez said.
Perhaps families can enjoy a day of fishing with a new tax-free rod and reel, she said.
The holiday is part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget, created to help Florida families save nearly $230 million this summer.
DeSantis proposed and signed a “Freedom Week” sales tax last year, but the holiday was expanded to last longer and include more children’s supplies this year.
“You can enjoy some of your favorite fairs and festivals or concerts, perhaps pick up a new recreational activity, whether it’s paddleboarding or canoeing or surfing or kayaking,” Nuñez said. “We’re encouraging
Floridians to get out and try something new or hone in on a skill that perhaps you’ve developed over the years.”
Nuñez and the others she was with, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s deputy secretary for land and recreation Mara Gambineri and Florida Wildlife Commission Executive Director Roger Young, urged people to take advantage of the holiday before school starts.
The Palm Beach County Public Schools 2023-2024 school year begins on Aug. 10.
“I know the kids don’t like to talk about back to school, but it is a reality; school is coming, so make sure you get your back-to-school supplies this week while it’s still tax free,” Nuñez said.
The sales tax holiday items for children include toys and athletic equipment, not necessarily traditional school supplies such as notebooks and pens.
Gambineri invited families to “one last summer adventure” either by taking a trip to a state park, buying an annual pass or both.
“I encourage everyone to take advantage of the savings on outdoor gear for both land and water to explore our state and create new memories outdoors,” Young said.