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 Bok Tower Gardens in Holiday, FL 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.
“They were exceptional with customer service, home care, staffing and reasonable pricing. They were”
“Arianna and her team were absolutely amazing! They really helped me and my family when”
“I recently met with Arianna and her professionalism was beyond compare. Her knowledge of the”
“I can highly recommend Sherry and her team of caregivers they are prompt, thorough, friendly”
“Great experience! My husband has dementia and his caregiver, Cole, sent by ABC is”
“I can’t speak highly enough about Arianna. She is so professional, but leads with such”
“Always Best Care Senior Services gets a full five stars from me! If Google allowed six,”
“Tiffany and Tatriana are both my caregivers they are both highly professional compassionate and I”
“Tiffany is my mothers care giver! She is always respectful and super helpful. She helps”
“Tiffany is my caregiver and I don't know what I would do without her. She”
“Excellent service . Staff professional and competent No issues whatsoever”
“Sherry and her team have been the perfect fit for my folks, who can be…”
“Always Best Care did a tremendous job in taking care of my grandma. She has”
“Literally the best. They helped take the best of care of my grandparents!! Can’t thank”
“Always Best Care has gone above and beyond in helping my grandmother with her health”
“Always Best Care has been such a blessing for our family. Their team has taken”
“Sherry has been absolutely wonderful! She is caring and understanding and very attentive to needs.”
“Caring and trustworthy! Elizabeth and Allison always make sure my father’s shifts are covered. They”
“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 HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“I'm a former employee of ABC and I had an awesome experience working with them.”
“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”
“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”
“They were exceptional with customer service, home care, staffing and reasonable pricing. They were excellent to work with and family oriented. I highly recommend using their services.”
“Arianna and her team were absolutely amazing! They really helped me and my family when we needed companionship for my grandma!”
“I recently met with Arianna and her professionalism was beyond compare. Her knowledge of the benefits to assist seniors is remarkable. I also met with Sherry, the Owner/Ceo and her ability to make you feel comfortable, and her compassion is evident- they are a true leader in their respective field. I would highly recommend Always Best Care. I work in the Senior industry and feel confident in referring to this top-notch Agency.”
“I can highly recommend Sherry and her team of caregivers they are prompt, thorough, friendly and professional. I hired them to assist my aging Mother with her ambulatory challenges and light housework that she can no longer perform. Always Best was there for us and provided a bridge to specialized care for Mom when we needed it most.”
“Great experience! My husband has dementia and his caregiver, Cole, sent by ABC is the perfect match. Caring, totally respectful we can highly recommend the services of Always Best Care.”
“I can’t speak highly enough about Arianna. She is so professional, but leads with such compassion and care. I know if I call her to help with a resident, I can trust she is going over and beyond to make sure loved ones and families get the best care they deserve!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services gets a full five stars from me! If Google allowed six, I’d use it. The team is professional, reliable, and genuinely caring. Communication is smooth, and they make everything feel easy and stress-free. They don’t just provide care—they truly care. Highly recommend! ????”
“Tiffany and Tatriana are both my caregivers they are both highly professional compassionate and I could not live without them. I'm so thankful for Always Best Care for sending me them. The company is the very best health care agency I've ever had. Big Thank you Tiffany and Tatriana for all that you do for me.”
“Tiffany is my mothers care giver! She is always respectful and super helpful. She helps out my mother so much along with one of my moms friends! She is passionate about her job , she takes everyone’s thoughts and feelings seriously. If you have someone you love that is associated with Always Best Care , just know that if you get Tiffany as a care giver she will always satisfy your family’s health care needs ❤️”
“Tiffany is my caregiver and I don't know what I would do without her. She always uplifts me and encourages me every day with her smile, positivity and super awesome help!!! She goes above and beyond and treats me like she would her own mother. I love her so much! She is the best caregiver I have ever had!!!!????????❤️”
“Excellent service . Staff professional and competent No issues whatsoever”
“Sherry and her team have been the perfect fit for my folks, who can be… a handful. The professionalism, understanding, patience, and kindness shown by ABC greatly enhances their quality of life, not to mention the family’s peace of mind.”
“Always Best Care did a tremendous job in taking care of my grandma. She has never been the biggest “people person” and she had no complaints about the level of care she received. It took a lot of trust for me to make this decision to move her, but I fully supported everything Always Best Care stands for and they made the transition so smooth. Absolutely impeccable staff, 11/10 recommend!”
“Literally the best. They helped take the best of care of my grandparents!! Can’t thank them enough!!”
“Always Best Care has gone above and beyond in helping my grandmother with her health needs. Special shout to Arianna Franklin for always reaching out and checking in, she’s one of a kind!”
“Always Best Care has been such a blessing for our family. Their team has taken wonderful care of my grandmother with so much kindness, patience, and respect. They’re reliable, responsive, and truly go above and beyond to make sure she’s comfortable and cared for. It’s been such a relief knowing she’s in good hands. I’m so grateful for their compassion and professionalism and we couldn’t ask for better support.”
“Sherry has been absolutely wonderful! She is caring and understanding and very attentive to needs. She has great follow up and follow through and you can tell they take pride in what that do! I would highly recommend to anyone with the need for home health assistance for yourself or a loved one????”
“Caring and trustworthy! Elizabeth and Allison always make sure my father’s shifts are covered. They are fantastic at always staying in communication and are so wonderful to work with. My father’s aides: Sharon, Lizette and Rose are incredibly kind, respectful, and caring. What they do matters and I feel so Blessed to have these Angels caring for my father. Over and beyond Stellar!!!????????????”
“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 HHA for this company and there amazing people to work for!!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
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 in Holiday, FL 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 Casa Ludovico Fine Italian Dining or visit Chinsegut Hill Historic Site, 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.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capitol Bureau) - Florida’s sales tax holiday on school supplies and electronics is happening right now and will run through the next month.This means you won’t pay taxes on certain items when you check out. Businesses across the state say the new timing of the sales tax holiday is far better than in the past.Now that the sales tax holiday has moved to the month right before school starts, stores like Kids Pointe Resale and Boutique in Tallahassee are planning their own sales tha...
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capitol Bureau) - Florida’s sales tax holiday on school supplies and electronics is happening right now and will run through the next month.
This means you won’t pay taxes on certain items when you check out. Businesses across the state say the new timing of the sales tax holiday is far better than in the past.
Now that the sales tax holiday has moved to the month right before school starts, stores like Kids Pointe Resale and Boutique in Tallahassee are planning their own sales that could benefit you or your family.
According to the Florida Department of Revenue, there is no sales tax on many school items like backpacks, clothes, notebooks and more.
But even if you aren’t a student or parents, you can still benefit. There is no sales tax on laptops or computers less than $1,500, or the accessories that go with your devices.
The Florida Retail Federation says 60% of shoppers are already thinking about back to school spending and you don’t need to save your receipts or claim any rebate.
“I do think it’s a sweet spot. I think it’s advantageous to consumers that the sales tax holiday is starting sooner because nationally, the forecasts show that 60% or more families have already started their shopping,” Florida Retail Federation spokesperson Amanda Bevis said. “So, the earlier this sales tax is, the more likely that consumers can benefit.”
Florida Representative Allison Tant is organizing another school supply drive for Jefferson County. She says she prefers the new holiday schedule, which allows parents to get the tax break right before the next school year.
“All that stuff has gotten more expensive, not to mention homeowner’s insurance,” Tant said. “So, it’s nice to have a break and this is one thing that the legislature’s made permanent. So, I’m grateful for it.”
The sales tax holiday runs through August 20. Which means, in Tallahassee for example, you’d save seven cents on every dollar you spend on each eligible item.
“Students these days are sometimes required to have computers or smart books. And so with this sales tax holiday, students, families, anyone can save on the purchase of eligible items all month long from July 20th through August 20th,” Bevis said.
There will be another sales tax holiday for hunting, fishing and camping starting on September 1.
Unlike in prior years, Best Buy has set up in advance a webpage linking back-to-school deals tied to Florida's month-long sales tax "holiday" that begins Monday."Cancel the deal hunt. We've got you covered," the page states with links to laptops, desktops, computer accessories and calculators.Representing the Florida Retail Federation, Amanda Bevis credited lawmakers with making the sales tax holiday a permanent fixture in state law."That allows retailers to plan ahead, not only in their sales, b...
Unlike in prior years, Best Buy has set up in advance a webpage linking back-to-school deals tied to Florida's month-long sales tax "holiday" that begins Monday.
"Cancel the deal hunt. We've got you covered," the page states with links to laptops, desktops, computer accessories and calculators.
Representing the Florida Retail Federation, Amanda Bevis credited lawmakers with making the sales tax holiday a permanent fixture in state law.
"That allows retailers to plan ahead, not only in their sales, but in their marketing and promotions," Bevis said.
The discount holiday, first offered as a seven-day period in 1998 when sales taxes were lifted on only certain clothing valued $50 or less, was firmly put into state statutes last year as a recurring event to run throughout August.
Previously, the discount period was annually approved at varying lengths from three to 14-days, and some years, most recently 2009, the holiday wasn't offered.
For this year, lawmakers moved the discount dates to July 20 through Aug. 20.
The retail lobbying organization credits the change of dates with helping consumers facing affordability issues tie in the state holiday with annual back-to-school discounts offered by businesses.
"Now they can combine what offers are in retail stores with the additional tax savings made available through the tax holiday," Bevis said.
During the upcoming holiday, sales taxes will be lifted on select clothes priced $100 or less, school supplies $50 or less, learning aids $30 or less, and personal computers and accessories priced $1,500 or less.
Legislative staff this year didn't estimate the savings when the tax package was introduced in the regular session and later revived and approved in the special session in May.
In 2025, with the same discount benchmarks, legislative economists projected the savings would hit around $217 million.
The next tax holiday offered under the tax package (HB 7031E) is on hunting, fishing and camping equipment, beginning Sept. 1 and continuing until the end of the year.
Legislative staff projected that discount period will cut revenue to the state by $31.2 million and local governments collectively by $8.8 million.
Exempt clothing valued at $100 or less:
Exempt computers and computer-related accessories valued $1,500 or less:
The "holiday" doesn't cover:
*Source: Florida Department of Revenue
In:
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday began Monday, July 20, giving families a break on supplies needed for the new school year. The holiday runs through Aug. 20.During the holiday, sales tax will not be charged on most school supplies, clothing, personal computers and accessories, learning aids, and jigsaw puzzles — each up to certain price limits.Some shoppers were already hitting stores Monday to take advantage of the month-long window. “When we’re not paying the taxes on ...
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday began Monday, July 20, giving families a break on supplies needed for the new school year. The holiday runs through Aug. 20.
During the holiday, sales tax will not be charged on most school supplies, clothing, personal computers and accessories, learning aids, and jigsaw puzzles — each up to certain price limits.
Some shoppers were already hitting stores Monday to take advantage of the month-long window. “When we’re not paying the taxes on it, it allows us to get an extra shirt or two or some jeans or shoes or whatever it may be, so it actually helps with the spending,” said Shaelyn Summer, a local parent.
Summer said the break can make it easier to stock up without overspending. “Take advantage of it — we can grab a backpack or some notebooks or some pencils and it’s not going to break the bank for those little things,” she said. “Kids, they don’t need a whole lot but it is fun to get out there and just get a new outfit or two, give them the confidence that they need to go back to school.”
She also said the longer holiday helps families adjust after school begins. “A lot of times they have their list initially but then when the kids go back to school you can see what they actually have,” Summer said. “So having this extension — they haven’t had before — it’s lasting all month. Once the kids are back in school we can finalize those lists.”
During the holiday, sales tax will not be charged on:
Some items are excluded from the exemption, including briefcases and suitcases, jewelry and watches, certain sports gear, and any items exceeding the price thresholds listed above. Items purchased for commercial purposes are also excluded. The exemption does not apply to rentals, repairs or alterations, or purchases made inside theme parks, public lodging establishments or airports.
A full list of what items qualify can be found at floridarevenue.com.
Florida’s sales tax holiday was first offered as a seven-day period in 1998. Lawmakers have approved it in varying lengths over the years, with some years offering no holiday at all. Last year, the event was written into state statutes as a recurring annual holiday running through August.
Amanda Bevis, representing the Florida Retail Federation, credited lawmakers for making the tax holiday permanent and said it pairs well with store promotions. “Now they can combine what offers are in retail stores with the additional tax savings made available through the tax holiday,” Bevis said.
Using the same discount benchmarks as 2025, legislative economists project total savings could reach about $217 million, according to the Department of Revenue. Legislative staff also projected the holiday would reduce revenue by $31.2 million for the state and $8.8 million collectively for local governments.
ABC7, in partnership with Carl Reynolds’s Law, is hosting a back-to-school drive benefiting students in the Sarasota County School District and the School District of Manatee County on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Many schools, including those in Manatee County and Sarasota County, begin classes on Monday, Aug. 10.
Sarasota County Schools made its annual Back-2-School guide available to families at the beginning of July. In addition to general helpful tips, the online guide feature supply lists from their traditional public schools and highlights important changes taking effect this school year, such as a new transportation app and some new school start times. The online guide can be found here: www.sarasotacountyschools.net/o/scs/page/back-2-school.
The BriefTAMPA, Fla. - Florida's month-long Back-to-School Tax Holiday officially begins Monday, allowing families statewide to purchase computers, clothes and traditional school supplies completely tax-free.Florida tax-free holidayWhat we know:The following items are tax-exempt in Florida from Monday, July 20, through Thursday, Aug. 20.Personal computer itemsPersonal computers include:The term does not i...
TAMPA, Fla. - Florida's month-long Back-to-School Tax Holiday officially begins Monday, allowing families statewide to purchase computers, clothes and traditional school supplies completely tax-free.
What we know:
The following items are tax-exempt in Florida from Monday, July 20, through Thursday, Aug. 20.
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 $100 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:
What they're saying:
Inara Alimova and Andrei Girenkov are South Tampa parents with a college student and a middle schooler.
"It helps a lot, you save a lot of money, especially in times like this, and we have one child going to college and the second child going into middle school, and we can buy all the school supplies and clothes, and it saves a good chunk of money for us and for everyone in Florida," Alimova said.
Both parents said the Back-to-School Holiday helps more than just school-age kids — college students and other adults can benefit from this month-long tax break.
"College, you need so much stuff. You need a computer, you know, clothes, accessories, all this other stuff," Girenkov said. "So, it's a big deal. I think I mean it saves a lot. I'm happy that Florida is able to make it happen."
Why you should care:
Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch said these tax breaks don't happen in every state, so, this is a big help for Floridians, especially considering you can get electronics tax-free.
"Some states don't even offer electronics," Woroch said. "So, the fact that Florida is offering an opportunity for you to save on tax on an electronic purchase of up to $1,500, that can help you save a lot of money."
What you can do:
Woroch said the best way to save is to shop at home first and see what you have leftover before heading to the store.
"I always say shop at home first because oftentimes we have leftover supplies that we forgot about," Woroch said. "You could find scattered crayons to make a set as well as markers. Highlighters, pens, pencils. You don't need these brand-new. They're likely still going to work for the upcoming school year, even notebooks."
The Source: Information in this story comes from the Florida Department of Revenue and interviews with a South Tampa family and a consumer savings expert.
Do you need to call or stop by one of Florida's state offices?You better make plans to stop by today, July 1, if your business is urgent.The Fourth of July is one of 11 federal holidays, and when it falls on a Saturday — which it does in 2026 — many employees get the Friday before off for the holiday.Get America250 decorations with Amazon PrimeThis year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has extended the three-day weekend to a five-day weekend, giving most state employees July 2-6 off to celebrate not only the...
Do you need to call or stop by one of Florida's state offices?
You better make plans to stop by today, July 1, if your business is urgent.
The Fourth of July is one of 11 federal holidays, and when it falls on a Saturday — which it does in 2026 — many employees get the Friday before off for the holiday.
Get America250 decorations with Amazon Prime
This year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has extended the three-day weekend to a five-day weekend, giving most state employees July 2-6 off to celebrate not only the Fourth of July but America's 250th birthday.
Bottom line: If your business can't wait until July 7, you better head down or call July 1.
Here's what you should know.
The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is one of 11 federal holidays observed across the United States.
When the day falls on a Saturday, the holiday is observed on the Friday before. If on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
On June 12, DeSantis announced state offices would be closed Thursday, July 2, and Monday, July 6, "in celebration of Independence Day weekend, which this year marks America’s 250th anniversary of its independence."
State offices were already closed Friday, July 3, so with the addition of the extra days, state employees will get a five-day weekend.
Florida state offices will be closed from Thursday, July 2, through Monday, July 6.
Yes, Florida government offices will be open July 1.
The five-day holiday weekend begins July 2.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a historic milestone and an opportunity to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and enduring principles that established the United States as the freest and most prosperous nation in the world,” DeSantis said in a news release.
“As Florida leads the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration, I am pleased to provide state employees additional time to celebrate our country’s founding, participate in America 250 events, and spend time with family and friends honoring the blessings of liberty that generations of Americans have fought to preserve.”
This isn't the first time DeSantis has given state employees extra days off around holidays beyond what they normally receive.
In 2025, he added an extra day off for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.
"Throughout 2026, Florida is commemorating America’s 250th anniversary through educational initiatives, community events, historical exhibits, and celebrations that honor the founding of our nation and the principles of freedom, self-government, and individual liberty," DeSantis said.
Find events and learn more about Florida's role in the history of the U.S. at america250fl.com.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced it is inviting "residents and visitors to rediscover the Sunshine State’s natural beauty and renowned recreation" from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5.
? Get free entry to Florida state parks during Fourth of July weekend
No admission fees will be charged at most of Florida's state parks, the agency said in a news release.
The DEP said free admission applies to day-use only and excludes:
All other fees, including overnight accommodations, special events, concessions and rentals from park vendors, will remain in effect.
9/11 anniversary: How to watch livestream of 25th remembrance ceremony Terrorists among us: The tale of the 9/11 hijackers in this Florida community Florida pays $615K to state workers fired over Charlie Kirk commentsRemaining federal holidays this year include:
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://naplesnews.com/newsletters.
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