Florida just gave hunters, campers, anglers, and outdoor lovers a little gift: a brand-new Outdoor Tax Holiday running September 8 through December 31, 2025. If your idea of fun involves fishing rods, hiking boots, tents, or even hunting gear, this is your chance to stock up without paying Florida sales tax.

Let’s break down what you can buy, what’s excluded, and why this matters for your wallet.

What the Outdoor Tax Holiday Covers

This isn’t your average “back-to-school” style holiday. Florida specifically designed this one to support outdoor recreation. If you’re into fishing, camping, hunting, or just spending more time outside, here’s what qualifies for tax-free savings:

• Fishing gear: Rods, reels, tackle boxes, lures, and bait
• Camping gear: Tents, sleeping bags, hammocks, coolers, and portable stoves
• Hunting equipment: Firearms, ammunition, bows, arrows, and safety gear
• Outdoor apparel: Hiking boots, waders, jackets, and protective clothing
• Water fun: Kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and life jackets

Pro Tip: This window runs right into holiday shopping season. If you’ve got an outdoorsy friend or family member, now’s the time to plan ahead.

What’s NOT Included

Before you start adding everything to your cart, keep in mind that not everything outdoorsy qualifies. Some big-ticket exclusions include:

• Off-road vehicles (like ATVs)
• Golf carts and jet skis
• High-end boats and motors
• Anything purchased for commercial purposes

The goal is to make recreational activities more affordable, not to outfit businesses or luxury purchases.

Why Florida Created This Tax Break

The state designed the Outdoor Tax Holiday to give a boost to Florida’s outdoor industry while making it easier for families to enjoy everything the Sunshine State has to offer.

Between rising prices and tighter budgets, these sales tax savings add up quickly. If you’re buying new camping gear for the family, upgrading fishing equipment, or preparing for hunting season, skipping Florida’s 6% sales tax (plus local surtaxes) can leave extra dollars in your pocket.

Plan Ahead to Maximize Your Savings

The holiday lasts almost four months, but don’t wait until December 30 to get started. Supplies go fast, and seasonal items like fishing gear and firearms can sell out quickly. A little planning now means:

• Checking the full list of eligible items before shopping
• Comparing prices across retailers for the best deal
• Timing purchases around sales to stack discounts
• Setting aside funds for those bigger-ticket items

If you want to confirm which items qualify, check out Florida’s official guidance here.

How Watson & Associates Can Help

Florida’s Outdoor Tax Holiday is a great way to save money, but it’s also just one small piece of the bigger tax picture. Between the new One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3) changes and other Florida tax updates, we’re keeping track of every opportunity to put more money back in your pocket.

Whether you’re planning your next big purchase or mapping out your 2025 tax strategy, we’re here to guide you through it.

At Watson & Associates, our team can help you understand what qualifies, how to maximize your deductions, and what these new tax rules mean for your budget and business.