DeSantis touts Florida’s $2.7 billion in tax cuts
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis touted Florida’s $2.7 billion in tax cuts for Floridians during a press conference when he signed the budget Thursday.
“That’s a record by far,” DeSantis said. “Last year, we did $1.2 billion, which was the record for Florida and so we more than doubled last year’s record.”
The package includes lengthier sales tax holidays and permanent sales tax exemptions on baby and toddler products such as diapers. That permanent exemption applies to other supplies including cribs, strollers, wipes and children’s clothing.
“That’s going to make it easier to raise kids,” DeSantis said.
Other items permanently exempt from sales tax will include oral hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste and firearm safety devices.
It also includes a one-year sales tax exemption on gas stoves and Energy Star appliances.
“In reality, we know they’re coming for your gas stove,” DeSantis told the crowd.
There are two back-to-school tax holidays and two disaster preparedness sales tax holidays that last 14 days each. Another freedom summer sales tax holiday on recreational items and children’s toys will begin Memorial Day until Labor Day.
Sales tax holidays included in the tax relief package for the 2023–2024 fiscal year:
- Back-to-School sales tax holidays will take place July 24 – August 6, 2023, and January 1 – January 14, 2024.
- Disaster Preparedness sales tax holidays will take place May 27 – June 9, 2023, and August 26 – September 8, 2023.
- The Freedom Summer sales tax holiday lasts from Memorial Day through Labor Day of this year.
- The Tools and Equipment sales tax holiday will take place from September 2 – September 8, 2023.
During the Thursday press conference, the governor also signed the budget, which includes record funding for workforce education and affordable housing, as well as millions for public safety agencies and water resource protection.
