A year-long suspension of Florida’s 6 percent sales tax started on Saturday, applying to certain Energy Star appliances such as washing machines and dryers, water heaters and refrigerators and gas stoves, but, in yet another example of the DeSantis administration’s bewildering opposition to to clean energy, not electric stoves. Price limits apply.
The one-year sales tax exemption period ends on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Items included in the sales tax exemption are the following Energy star-certified appliances:
- Washing machines with a sales price of $1,500 or less
- Clothes dryers with a sales price of $1,500 or less
- Water heaters with a sales price of $1,500 or less
- Refrigerators or combination refrigerator/freezers with a sales price of $4,500 or less
The sales tax exemption also applies to any range or cooktop fueled by dirty, fossil fuels (i.e. butane, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, other flammable gas and propane) but not by electricity alone. There is no price limit on eligible stoves. (See the tip sheet.)
Similarly, the ongoing tax break on recreation and outdoor supplies applies to some gas-powered grills, but not to electricity-powered ones.
“Home ownership inevitably involves home improvement. Adding or replacing an appliance can be costly, so any opportunity to save a little money helps,” said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. “These sales tax holidays will help consumers save on home improvement projects and summer activities.”
Beware: The total price of items advertised as “buy one, get one for a reduced price” cannot be averaged in order for both items to qualify for the exemption, the Department of Revenue states. But you may use a gift card to buy the eligible items, as long as you use the card before July 2024. Otherwise, the tax break won’t apply, no matter when you bought the gift card.
Lawmakers approved the tax exemptions during this year’s legislative session.
Deborah Coffey says
Can Republicans possibly get more petty or vindictive? Their behavior mimics that of middle school bullies.
Denali says
Do these idiots in Tallahassee not realize that they are hurting their own kind more than that devil driven woke bunch? Very little of Florida outside the major population centers is served by gas. Who do we find in those major population centers? That damned woke bunch. Who do we find in more rural areas, like Palm Coast, with no access to natural gas? Those DeSantis lovers looking ‘own the woke’. Good job folks, spend every last dime to feed the Desantis lies. According to the Florida Public Service Commission less than 10% of the Florida residential market is served by natural gas. The biggest problem is that Florida does not produce natural gas and must import every cubic foot by pipeline.
That said we all need to recognize that this is nothing but another DeSantis crock of poop designed to fling more red meat to his base of socially unacceptable and under-educated morons. Who else would believe for a split second that his programs and policies are good for Florida or this country in general. I sincerely hope that the real R’s can find their way to stand up and present a palatable candidate for president.
Anthony says
Of course, electric stoves don’t count, what does DeSantis do that helps the people of Florida? NOTHING. He is doing a great job of losing votes so the end result is Trump will make him his VP and then our country is in real trouble. You can say good bye to our democracy.
Burnice Bauch says
It’s great to see Florida taking steps to provide some financial relief to its residents by suspending sales tax on certain appliances. While it’s unfortunate that electric stoves are not included in this exemption, this initiative still offers an opportunity for homeowners to save on other eligible appliances. Thank you for sharing this news and keeping us informed about the latest developments in tax policies that affect consumers.
Laurel says
Burnice: Your Pollyanna view is a tad naive. DeSantis is pulling yet another stunt to buy off supporters while favoring certain, competing businesses over others for his own personal gain. It used to be that business interference was taboo for Republicans. It is clearly not the government’s job to prefer one model over another by requiring tax of one and not of the other. This is not “great.”