Florida parents shopping for back-to-school have to be saying to themselves, "Of all the years..." Of all the years, when shoppers can use any break they can get, Florida's state legislature failed to authorize its sales-tax-holiday for back-to-school shoppers.
Florida, a one time leader in the tax-free-holiday concept, backed off this year after facing budget problems resulting in major budget cuts and hikes in various state fees. Florida's tax revenue declined $46 million last year during tax-free-holiday and economic conditions and increased gas prices promise to continue to slow tourism dollars into the state.
Therefore, Florida could see a further decline of visitors coming to the state for its great shopping opportunities, because they can shop where tax-free holidays are still available -- in neighboring Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana.
Those living in the Florida Panhandle can drive across the state line to Alabama for tax-free shopping on Friday, August 1, 2008, through Sunday, August 3, 2008, and save on clothing, computers and select electronics. Florida's six percent sales tax could cause some shoppers to go despite the high gas prices.
Others may turn to the Internet to make their purchases. Using price-comparison sites, online coupons, auction sites and an abundance of remanufactured computers and electronics products could find significant savings.
Those who will be staying in Florida to shop at local stores will probably see early promotions. With predictions of sluggish back-to-school sales, smart retailers are reacting with early markdowns, loss-leader promotions and sending coupons to their valued customers. Regardless, many shoppers are standing firm on their need to spend less this season compared to past years.
Why Would Florida Citizens Be Upset?
There are many states which do not have tax-free-shopping days and never have. But in Florida, the holiday has been running since 1998. Floridians have grown to expect the tax-free holiday, and this unexpected change is going to cost them more money.
I suspect the Florida legislature may regret the decision to not offer its citizens a break on necessities for school.
See Also: 2008 Tax Free Shopping Holidays
I have taken advantage of the tax-free school holidays in the past and have appreciated them. However, I think the legislature made a wise and frugal decision not to have such a holiday this year precisely because of the economic and budget crunch we are currently experiencing. Losing $46 million this year would be catastrophic for Florida’s economy and I don’t think the legislature will regret it. I also don’t see that many people heading to other states to cash in on other’s holidays because the gas prices are so high. I would like to think that people are smart, and having agreed with the lack of tax-free holiday I sometimes wonder if that is true. Mainly because the voters approved Amendment 1 which contributed to the economic mess this state is currently experiencing. Also, if it is true that shoppers won’t come to Florida because we don’t have tax-free holidays, I say “What, you mean they wait until just before school starts to come in and shop and don’t visit here and shop here any other time?” That seems ridiculous.
I FEEL ITS WRONG FOR FLORIDA TO NOT HAVE TAX FREE FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LIVES HERE BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE FROM OTHER STATES COME HERE TO SHOP IS RIDICULOUS WHAT ABOUT THE RESIDENTS WHO DONT HAVE A JOB AND ARE STRUGGLING TO GET SCHOOL SUPPLYS FOR THERE CHILDREN MANY OF USE DEPEND ON IT FOR THAT REASON WE HAVE FLORIDAS IDENTIFICATIONS HAVE A SIGN FOR FLORIDA RESIDENTS ONLY.