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Diapers and discounts: series of tax breaks begin over holiday weekend



A series of tax holidays are slated to begin this weekend, heralding savings on an assortment of household commodities including baby diapers, Energy Star Appliances, and gas range stoves.

Starting on July 1, Florida residents will benefit from a series of tax breaks aimed at providing economic relief. The first tax break is the permanent exemption from sales tax on items related to child and elderly care, including diapers, baby and toddler essentials, and products for incontinence.

This measure is estimated to save consumers approximately $159 million dollars, according to the Executive Office of the Governor. Additionally, sales tax on oral hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash will be eliminated, offering an expected annual collective savings of $67 million.

“Because of President Biden’s disastrous economic policies, Florida families are feeling the pressure of inflation on their wallets,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “But in Florida, we are ensuring that our state’s economic success gets passed on to the people that made it possible. I will continue to push smart fiscal policy that will allow Florida families to keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. Stronger families make a stronger Florida.”

Supplementing the permanent tax breaks, several one-year tax holidays commence on Saturday. Notably, purchases of ENERGY STAR appliances, including washers and dryers, water heaters, refrigerators, and freezers with specific energy-efficient ratings, will be exempt from sales tax, with a total estimated saving of $86 million throughout the year.

Gas ranges and cooktops fueled by flammable gases like natural gas and propane will also be exempt from sales taxes, resulting in consumer savings of around $7 million.

In total, including additional tax breaks that have passed or have yet to be enacted, residents are expected to save $2.7 billion collectively, marking the largest tax relief plan in Florida’s history.