It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic McNeil Homestead gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Holiday, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our”
“Maria has been the best caregiver I had for in home care from Always Best”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“Let me start off by saying that Always Best Care is the best home health”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver”
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them.”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith,”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my”
“Excellent agency, Great bosses and competitive pay, great service with your caregivers”
“We have used Always Best Senior Care many times. Their service has always exceeded our expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend them. I can not thank them enough for the care and support over the years!”
“Maria has been the best caregiver I had for in home care from Always Best Care in Tarpon Springs for over a year! She helps with the daily task, transportation and food preparation. All around wonderful service and well-trained caregiver. The difference is that she wants to help you, not just there to get paid. Maria is something special and a very good cook. I highly recommend Always Best Care for senior services. (Stephen Loyek)”
“ABC was a life saver for my family and me. The care givers were all fantastic. My step-mom’s final year and days and the quality of her life were certainly enhanced with the help of this awesome company. Everyone at the company, especially Lisa Crase was so helpful and compassionate. They were all here for us at a very difficult time. I would highly recommend this company if you need an easy and flexible care giver situation for a family member. I just really cannot thank ABC for everything they did for us. Nancy Chango, Tampa, FL”
“had very good service with wonderful caring workers for my mom”
“Let me start off by saying that Always Best Care is the best home health company I’ve ever worked for ! The management treats you like family , they are very considerate and understanding & they make sure we are treating our clients like family as well ! They help make sure that we are providing our clients with the best care possible by choosing the best caregiver that fits each client. Also , There is flexible scheduling where you can pick what schedule fits you best. I love this company because they show me every day that I am appreciated it.”
“If you’re looking for care for a loved one, or a job as a caregiver this is the best place. The owners are very hands on, and they service a wide area. I’ve been with the company for years, I’ve seen the work from staff and it’s amazing the way everyone comes together so that every client receives the best possible care.”
“Always best care tarpon Springs office has been a life saver with caring for my mother with dementia. Her caregiver Linda is so dedicated to her job, and my mom and me love her to death. She is very communicative, and passionate about what she does. My mom could not live independently if i did not have always best care and linda by her side. Also whenever speaking with scheduling and office staff- they are always helpful and friendly too! Thanks guys! Yall do amazing work!”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them. The office staff is very warm and welcoming. The owners, Keith and Jeri are super nice and personable. They recognize their employees every month, they also have different events where we could get together and socialize. I've learned so much more, that wasn't taught at "school". Not a bad company to work for.”
“I'm a HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“Cyndi is an extraordinary caregiver and ABC service has been reliable, responsive and outstanding.”
“I have used Always Best Care for two extended periods. All the staff assigned to take care of my father were excellent and punctual. The office staff are great and have become great friends. I would recommend this company for the care of your family members.”
“Raina King is a true angel, a gift from God. Our beloved Grandmother passed away today and unfortunately we live far away. Raina was in constant communication with us through the entire journey. She gave great comfort to our loved one and we could not have been blessed with a better person to be by Gram’s side. God Bless you and all that you do. ????????❤️ Highly recommend.”
“I love working for for ABC. The owner's are very compassionate about their clients and caregivers. They go above and beyond to help those in need. I have 20+ years in healthcare and I have never worked with such an AMAZING team!”
“I’ve worked for Always Best Care going on a year. I love Jeri and Keith, very understanding. Rebeca, Natalie and Lisa, Also in the office, all listen to our needs and concerns. They are very understanding to all the caregivers, I feel like a big family with our clients. Working for this company is like having a very big extended family and I love it and would not give it up. And yes I would definitely and highly recommend Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida. The extended family that I don’t have, but I do now. Thank you for letting me be a part of Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs Florida.”
“Keith and Jeri are angels that walk among us. My in-laws have been receiving care from Always Best since May 2019. They are in their 90’s and still in their own home. This has been a year of challenges as my mother-in-law has dementia and my father-in-law’s health has gotten more tenuous. Keith has taken my dad to the hospital and urgent care, grocery shopped for them and scrambled to provide aides on short notice after hospitalization. We live out of state and I have had to depend on them so much. Jeri and Keith go above and beyond and I trust them implicitly! I can’t say enough good about them and I know that they will be successful because they are ethical, caring and operate their business with the highest degree of integrity. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been referred to them.”
“ABC is a well managed and high quality home health care service. All the workers have been consistently good and provide excellent care for our father. Rebeca has been awesome to ensure our needs are satisfied and that we always have the round the clock coverage we need.”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my mom is in good hands. She enjoys their services and I highly recommend them! Thank you for your love and kindness.”
“Always Best Care of Tarpon Springs has given me peace of mind knowing that my mom is in good hands. She enjoys their services and I highly recommend them!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Key Vista Nature Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Holiday House Restaurant or visit Stetson Mansion, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Holiday, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Holiday, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Holiday, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
This year’s Florida state budget changed how and when Floridians get tax relief at the register. With inflation stretching household budgets, lawmakers made sales tax reform a priority during the 2025 legislative session.Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7031 into law on June 30, 2025, with a $1.3 billion tax package within the state&rs...
This year’s Florida state budget changed how and when Floridians get tax relief at the register. With inflation stretching household budgets, lawmakers made sales tax reform a priority during the 2025 legislative session.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7031 into law on June 30, 2025, with a $1.3 billion tax package within the state’s $117 billion budget.
Among other things, the new law updates and changes the usual sales tax holidays and introduces some permanent sales tax exemptions.
Curious about what this means for your shopping experience in the Sunshine State this year? Here’s more to know.
As mentioned, Florida’s FY 2025-26 state budget ushers in some notable changes to how residents receive sales tax relief.
Last year, Florida offered several short-term sales tax holidays, including a two-week back-to-school holiday in January and another in late summer, as well as other themed exemptions, like "Freedom Month" in July and a disaster preparedness period.
Those holidays were scattered throughout the year and each lasted only a few days to a couple of weeks.
For 2025, the state has adopted a simpler approach. Instead of multiple brief holidays, there are just two major ones.
Some key points:
You may remember that last year, Florida offered an additional back-to-school sales tax holiday in January. That holiday won't return for 2025.
Instead, the summer back-to-school sales tax holiday in Florida has been made permanent. Lawmakers also expanded the tax-free shopping period to cover an entire month each year: from August 1st through August 31st.
So, families no longer need to squeeze their shopping into a single week or weekend. But, per usual, tax savings extend to a range of items.
State officials say the broader window allows shoppers to plan purchases and relieve some financial strain as the back-to-school season begins.
*For more information on the newly expanded back-to-school tax-free month, check out Kiplinger's report, Florida Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday 2025.
For the first time, Florida introduces a dedicated Hunting, Fishing & Camping Sales Tax Holiday, stretching from September 8 through December 31, 2025.
The nearly four-month duration can allow families and enthusiasts to stock up for outdoor activities and storm season.
Alongside changes to the timing of sales tax holidays, the new Florida tax bill introduces several year-round exemptions designed to lower the cost of everyday essentials.
These measures are part of a broader strategy by lawmakers to offer Floridians more consistent, practical savings on everyday purchases throughout the year.
As of July 2025, the statewide sales tax rate in Florida is 6%, with some exceptions.
However, on top of that, most counties impose a local surtax — often around 1% — which brings the typical combined sales tax rate in many areas just above 7%.
Although in some cases, like Hillsborough County, for example, a 1.5% discretionary tax pushes the total rate to as high as 7.5%.
The statewide rate hasn’t changed for 2025, but you may notice higher overall totals depending on where you shop in the state.
TAMPA, Fla. - Florida's month-long sales tax holiday for back-to-school shoppers has officially begun.Throughout August, shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on clothes, shoes and backpacks that cost $100 or less, school supplies that cost $50 or less and personal computers that cost $1,500 o...
TAMPA, Fla. - Florida's month-long sales tax holiday for back-to-school shoppers has officially begun.
Throughout August, shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on clothes, shoes and backpacks that cost $100 or less, school supplies that cost $50 or less and personal computers that cost $1,500 or less.
Personal computers or personal computer-related accessories purchased for noncommercial home or personal use at a sales price of $1,500 or less.
Personal computers* include:
*The term does not include cellular telephones, video game consoles, digital media receivers, or devices that are not primarily designed to process data.
Personal computer-related accessories*+ include:
*The listed accessories are tax-exempt regardless of whether they are used in association with a personal computer base unit.
+ The term does not include furniture or systems, devices, software, monitors with a television tuner, or peripherals that are designed or intended primarily for recreational use.
Wallets and bags* with a sales price of $50 or less per item, including:
*Briefcases, suitcases, and other garment bags are excluded.
School supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item, including:
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less:
Clothing, footwear, and accessories with a sales price of $100 or less per item, including:
The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.
While Florida has held back-to-school tax holidays of varying lengths in most years, lawmakers this spring approved making it an every-August occurrence.
The Source: Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Kellie Cowan.
July282025PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the return of Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which will run from Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 31, giving families a full month of savings on essential school supplies and more.“Proud to deliver additional sales tax holidays, including the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that begins on August 1. With the new school year just around the corner, Florida families can save on back-to-sch...
July
28
2025
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the return of Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which will run from Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 31, giving families a full month of savings on essential school supplies and more.
“Proud to deliver additional sales tax holidays, including the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday that begins on August 1. With the new school year just around the corner, Florida families can save on back-to-school shopping during the tax holiday for the entire month of August,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “By cutting taxes, empowering parents, and growing our economy, we're making it easier for people to live, work, and thrive in the Free State of Florida.”
With a consistently low unemployment rate and a AAA credit rating from all major agencies, Florida has maintained one of the lowest per-capita tax burdens in the nation. Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis signed the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, which included $2 billion in tax relief, including the permanent repeal of the Business Rent Tax and several targeted sales tax holidays. This year’s tax relief package specifically delivers $450 million in savings through sales tax holidays designed to support Florida families and residents.
The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday includes exemptions for:
School supplies selling for $50 or less
Clothing, footwear, and apparel priced at $100 or less
Learning aids selling for $30 or less
Personal computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less (for noncommercial home or personal use)
For more information and to view lists of qualifying items, visit: FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool.
Floridians are no strangers to tax holidays, and back-to-school is no exception. But this year, Florida residents are in for something new.The Sunshine State's annual August sales tax holiday is now one month long, thanks to the ...
Floridians are no strangers to tax holidays, and back-to-school is no exception. But this year, Florida residents are in for something new.
The Sunshine State's annual August sales tax holiday is now one month long, thanks to the new Florida sales tax holiday changes for 2025. This means that many purchases of electronics, clothing, and school supplies will be tax-exempt all of August.
We’ll explore the ins and outs to discover how much bang for your buck you get this shopping season.
The annual back-to-school Florida sales tax holiday is one month long — so you have all of August to shop!
The tax-free holiday starts Friday, August 1, and runs through Sunday, August 31, 2025. Many school supplies (including laptops and tablets) and clothing are exempt from Florida’s usual 6% sales tax rate during this time.
Shoppers can save on most items under a certain dollar amount. For instance, clothing must cost $100 or less per item, school supplies must cost $50 or less, personal computers and tablets $1,500 or less, and learning aids and jigsaw puzzles $30 or less.
There are many school supplies you can purchase tax-free in the state during the sales tax holiday, but here are a few highlights:
While many eligible items are included in the one-month Florida tax holiday, there are a few exceptions.
Online purchases can qualify, but delivery to a Florida address is required.
Online retailers like Amazon may honor state sales tax holidays. However, the retailer explains on its website that "tax may still be calculated on items if they do not qualify, including threshold limits, bundles, orders placed prior to the holiday starting or specific items that are not included in the holiday."
Accessories like jewelry and watches are not tax-free, nor are many types of athletic gloves. A few additional exclusions applied.
Clothing. Umbrellas and protective masks are taxable, as are roller skates, rented clothing, and non-prescription sunglasses and goggles.
School supplies. Taxable items include printer or computer paper, and books not otherwise exempt.
Electronics. Many electronics are taxable, including computer bags, CDs and DVDs, computers for recreational use, smartphones, surge protectors, tablet covers, game controllers, and digital cameras.
Miscellaneous items. Furniture, luggage, garment bags, suitcases, and any rentals of eligible items are taxable and excluded from the tax-free holiday.
Note: For a complete list of included and excluded items, visit the Florida Department of Revenue website. Most groceries and prescription drugs are already tax-exempt.
You may have found it harder to save as a tourist. According to Florida’s Department of Revenue, you are taxed on purchases from “a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport" during tax-free holidays.
This rule may be due to the nature of the holiday. The general purpose of a state sales tax holiday is to benefit state residents, though whether sales tax holidays accomplish this effectively is still up for debate.
Praised by retailers, derided as a gimmick by critics, Florida on Friday will start a month-long sales-tax “holiday” for back-to-school shoppers, along with eliminating sales taxes on other types of items.While Florida has held back-to-school tax holidays of varying lengths in most years, lawmakers this spring approved making it an every-August occurrence. Shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on clothes, shoes and backpacks that cost $100 or less, school supplies that cost $50 or less, learning aids that cost ...
Praised by retailers, derided as a gimmick by critics, Florida on Friday will start a month-long sales-tax “holiday” for back-to-school shoppers, along with eliminating sales taxes on other types of items.
While Florida has held back-to-school tax holidays of varying lengths in most years, lawmakers this spring approved making it an every-August occurrence. Shoppers will be able to avoid paying sales taxes on clothes, shoes and backpacks that cost $100 or less, school supplies that cost $50 or less, learning aids that cost $30 or less and personal computers that cost $1,500 or less.
The following item's included in the tax holiday are broken down into four categories:
The Florida Retail Federation said parents of kindergarten through 12th-grade students are projected to spend an average of $858 on clothes and supplies nationally. For families with college students, the average increases to $1,326. Electronics makes up the largest portion of the expenses, followed by clothes for K-12 students.
“This is always a very popular holiday for retailers,” Lorena Holley, general counsel and vice president of the Florida Retail Federation, said. “They run additional promotions and always expect large crowds.”
Not everyone is enamored, however, with tax holidays.
The Washington, D.C.-based Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy argues the discount periods have minimal benefit for working families.
“Wealthier taxpayers are often best positioned to benefit from a temporary exemption since they have more flexibility to shift the timing of their purchases to take advantage of the tax break --- an option that isn’t available to families living paycheck to paycheck,” Miles Trinidad, a state analyst for the non-profit organization, wrote July 17.
The business-friendly Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation said last week that making the back-to-school holiday a recurring month-long event, rather than requiring annual approval, gives retailers more certainty about the length and the items that will be included.
But the foundation also raised concerns about such holidays, saying targeted items are offered when demand is highest, “such as back-to-school products in August and hurricane preparedness supplies before storm seasons.”
“As a result, most of these revenue losses are associated with retail transactions that would have occurred without the added incentive,” wrote Katherine Loughead, a foundation senior policy analyst and research manager, and foundation intern Brayden Myers. “The prevalence of sales tax holidays is indicative of deeper structural weaknesses in state tax codes: the existence of a sales tax holiday is a tacit admission that the sales tax is overly burdensome throughout the rest of the year.”
The back-to-school holiday was included in a broader tax package (HB 7031) that the Legislature passed last month after a lengthy standoff between House and Senate leaders about a budget and tax cuts. House leaders initially wanted an across-the-board cut in the state’s sales-tax rate and opposed holding tax holidays.
Holley credited lobbying by the retail federation and other groups for making sure “we maintained the sales tax holiday.”
“We were confident that in the end, we would get where we landed,” Holley said.
The tax package, also starting Friday, will create permanent sales-tax exemptions on a variety of items, such as batteries, portable generators, tarps, gas cans, life jackets, bicycle helmets, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Previously, such items were included in tax holidays held at the start of the hurricane season for disaster-preparedness supplies and in the summer for recreational activities.
First created in 1998, back-to-school holidays have been held annually since 2010. They were not held in 2008 and 2009 as the state struggled with budget problems during the recession.
While tax holidays have been popular with shoppers and retailers, House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, didn’t embrace them this year. When the legislative session opened on March 4, he directed House budget leaders to “dive into the budget and find real savings in recurring revenue.”
“We spend every new dime of recurring revenue while congratulating ourselves for giving easy-to-fund non-recurring sales tax holidays,” Perez said at the time.
But Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, contended the holidays “are popular and highly utilized.”
“Creating a permanent tax holiday every August on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and personal computers expands our current holiday and creates a consistency that benefits both consumers and retailers,” Albritton said as the tax package was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 30.
The package does not include the House’s proposal to cut the overall sales-tax rate. The largest part of the tax package will eliminate a tax on commercial leases, a change long sought by business groups.
The back-to-school holiday is projected to save shoppers $217 million a year.
The package also includes a sales-tax holiday from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31 on firearms, ammunition and such things as fishing and camping supplies.
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