Florida’s sales tax holiday exempts some concert tickets, sporting events

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – The Florida Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday has kicked off, providing savings for people enjoying music, sporting, theater and other entertainment events.

During this time, ticket purchases on eligible events will be tax-free. Fans can purchase tickets through Sept. 4.

Tickets purchased on Ticketmaster for live events held from May 29 through Dec. 31, including concerts and festivals, sporting events, plays, musicals and other cultural events may be exempt from sales tax.

However, additional service purchases, such as parking and memorabilia, may not be eligible for a sales tax exemption.

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.

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.