By AMBER PATINO
Florida’s annual Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday will return this year, offering shoppers a four‑month break on sales tax for a wide range of outdoor supplies. The exemption period runs September 1 through December 31, according to the Florida Department of Revenue.
The tax holiday was authorized by the Legislature as part of the state’s 2026 budget and provides exemptions on qualifying hunting gear, fishing equipment, and camping supplies.
Eligible camping and fishing supplies include:
- Flashlights, camping lanterns, and tackle boxes or bags costing $30 or less
- Camping stoves, collapsible camping chairs, portable hammocks, and sleeping bags costing $50 or less
- Tents costing $200 or less
- Bait or fishing tackle costing $10 or less if sold individually ($20 or less if multiple items are sold together)
- Rods and reels costing $75 or less if sold individually ($150 or less if sold as a set) else
Eligible hunting supplies include:
- Ammunition
- Firearms, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns
- Bows and crossbows
- Bow and crossbow accessories, including arrows, bolts, quarrels, quivers, releases, sights or optics, and wristguards
- Firearm accessories, including barrels, cases or range bags, charging handles, cleaning kits, handguards, holsters, internal parts and components, magazines, pistol grips, shooting chronographs, shooting mats or rests, bipods, sights or optics, slides or cylinders, slings, stocks or braces, suppressors or silencers, and triggers
The Department of Revenue emphasized that only the items specifically listed qualify for the exemption. The sales tax holiday does not apply to rentals or repairs of eligible items, nor to sales made in theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, or airports.
Online purchases also qualify, provided the order is accepted by the seller during the exemption period for immediate shipment. Exchanges for the same item after the holiday remain tax‑free, while returns that result in the purchase of a non‑qualifying item will be taxed.
Local outdoor suppliers are participating in the savings event.
In Washington County, King’s Outdoors in Chipley is bringing back its cash discount to add to the savings. Customers who pay in cash will receive an additional 5% discount, bringing the total savings to 12.5% during the holiday period.
In Holmes County, Cold Steel Firearms is also preparing for the tax holiday. Co‑owner Suzy Vovchuk said the tax break will benefit both shoppers and small businesses.
“With people struggling in this economy, even just to make ends meet, this can be a big win for everyone,” Vovchuk said.
The Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday is one of several seasonal tax breaks offered by the state each year, aimed at reducing costs for families and encouraging outdoor recreation.
Staff Report