Republican Ron DeSantis has unveiled his proposed $115.6 billion state budget for 2025-2026. During a press conference, he introduced a new tax relief initiative called the “Second Amendment Summer” tax holiday. This tax break would run from Memorial Day to July 4th.
What Does DeSantis’ Proposed Tax Holiday in Florida Include?
The initiative aims to temporarily eliminate sales tax on firearms, ammunition, and related products. State officials estimate that this measure could lead to approximately $8 million in savings for Florida residents.
Ron DeSantis Pushes for Temporary Tax Relief on Firearm Sales
DeSantis’ proposal seeks to lower the cost of acquiring firearms and ammunition, reinforcing Second Amendment rights. This announcement aligns with the governor’s broader economic strategy, which includes various tax exemptions in the upcoming fiscal plan.
Another significant tax relief proposal in the budget includes an exemption on marine fuel taxes, designed to benefit Florida’s boating industry. This initiative would last for two months, potentially saving boaters an estimated $27 million and encouraging growth in one of the state’s most popular recreational sectors.
DeSantis’ Tax Holiday Plan Benefits Florida Students
The newly proposed tax holiday by Ron DeSantis isn’t just about firearms; it also offers significant benefits to families with school-aged children. This includes a 14-day sales tax exemption on school supplies, helping parents reduce back-to-school expenses.
This initiative is part of a broader economic plan to lower tax burdens on essential purchases. The goal is to promote investment in education while maintaining Florida’s strong financial position. It builds upon previous tax relief policies aimed at supporting key sectors.
“Florida has achieved historic success in keeping government spending low while making significant investments in key initiatives,” said Governor DeSantis. “This includes expanding workforce education for high-demand jobs, providing tax relief for families, and ensuring that Florida students have access to quality education tailored to their needs.”
Which School Supplies Will Be Tax-Free in Florida?
The tax exemption will apply to essential school-related items such as:
- Backpacks, notebooks, folders
- Pens, pencils, calculators
- Electronics like laptops and tablets (within a set price range)
- Clothing and footwear up to a specified price limit
This isn’t the first time Florida has implemented such tax relief measures. In 2024, a similar tax holiday helped families save on education-related expenses, and officials assessed its positive impact.
More Tax Holidays Coming to Florida in 2025
The 2025 fiscal plan includes two additional 14-day disaster preparedness sales tax holidays, estimated to save Floridians $72 million on hurricane supplies. Additionally, a month-long “Freedom Summer” tax holiday will apply to outdoor recreation equipment, encouraging tourism and outdoor activities.
What’s Next for DeSantis’ Tax Proposals?
Before becoming law, these tax holidays must receive approval from the Florida state legislature during its upcoming session in March. If passed, they could provide significant financial relief for Florida residents while promoting economic growth in key industries.
