Big savings this tax-free weekend

Florida residents save on qualifying items this weekend

The sales tax weekend is back starting today, and it’s even better this year: Computers and other electronic devices are included, up to a $750 value. The tax exemption applies to everything from pens to pants. Go to SunSentinel .com/taxholiday for the complete list, which is also searchable. More coverage is on

FORT LAUDERDALE — They might have hated it as kids, but parents across Florida have reason to celebrate the forthcoming school year: Back-to-school shopping will be tax-free starting today and will continue through the weekend.

Passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott, Florida’s annual back-to-school tax holiday began at 12:01 a.m. today and will run until 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

According to the Florida Department of Revenue, three classes of items will be exempt: school supplies priced at $15 or less; clothing, footwear and certain accessories priced at $60 or less; and computers and computer-related accessories priced at $750 or less when bought for noncommercial home or personal use.

Last year, Florida consumers saved $60 million to $70 million, according to the Florida Retail Federation. This year, savings may be closer to $30 million or $40 million as the Legislature cut back on the exempted items eligible for the tax holiday, a federation spokesman said.

Florida’s state sales tax stands at 6 percent, as does Broward County’s. Customers in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties will get an even bigger discount — both charge customers a 7 percent sales tax. Projected savings are expected to hit $33 million over the three-day holiday.

Palm Beach County students return to public school on Aug. 15. Broward and Miami-Dade children start Aug. 22.

Projected savings are expected to hit $33 million over the three-day holiday.