Florida and Tennessee launch back-to-school tax‑free weekends

Florida announced a statewide back-to-school sales‑tax holiday running from July 20 to August 20, 2026. Eligible items include school supplies up to $50, clothing and shoes up to $100, backpacks up to $100 and computers or accessories up to $1,500. Retailers such as Walmart and Staples will honor the exemptions, and families in Miami reported relief for school‑year budgeting. Professor Gerardo Quiñones of a Kendall school said the measure “is very favorable for parents,” while mother Susana Valverde called it “the best news” amid rising prices.

Tennessee will hold its annual tax‑free weekend from 12:01 a.m. on July 31 to 11:59 p.m. on August 2, 2026. The three‑day exemption covers clothing, shoes, school supplies and art materials up to $100 per item and computers, laptops or tablets up to $1,500, provided purchases are for personal use and shipped within the state. Commissioner of Revenue David Gerregano noted the tradition “provides an opportunity to save on essential items before the new school cycle.” Both states aim to ease family expenses as the new school year approaches.