Florida Offers Tax-Free Shopping on Camping and Fishing Gear Until End of Year

For those planning to purchase a tent, fishing rod, sleeping bag, or other outdoor equipment in Florida, there's still time to take advantage of a temporary sales tax exemption that remains in effect until the end of the year.

The 2026 Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday, which began on September 1, will continue through December 31, 2026, as announced by the Florida Department of Revenue.

During this period, certain camping and fishing products can be purchased without paying sales tax, provided they fall within the state's specified categories and price limits.

Camping Gear Eligible for Tax Exemption

Eligible camping products include lanterns and camping lights priced at $30 or less. Portable camping stoves, portable hammocks, folding camping chairs, and sleeping bags qualify if they cost $50 or less. For tents, the price limit is significantly higher, allowing tax-free purchases if priced at $200 or less.

Fishing Equipment Included in the Exemption

The exemption also covers a range of popular items for recreational fishing enthusiasts in Florida. Bait and fishing tackle qualify if each item costs $10 or less, with a combined limit of $20 or less when sold together. Tackle boxes and bags are exempt when priced at $30 or less. Fishing rods and reels qualify individually for up to $75, or up to $150 if sold as a combo set.

All detailed limits can be found in the official 2026 Florida tax guide.

Examples of Eligible Purchases

A tent priced at $179, a sleeping bag at $45, or a camping lantern at $25 would fall within Florida's set limits. Similarly, a $70 fishing rod or a $140 rod and reel combo would qualify. However, a $250 tent or a $70 sleeping bag would not, as they exceed the applicable category limits. The price limit applies to each product purchased, not as a total spending cap during the period.

Online Purchases and Exemptions

The exemption also applies to purchases made through online sellers and e-commerce platforms. An eligible item can benefit from the tax holiday if the seller accepts the order during the tax holiday period for immediate shipment, even if it arrives after December 31. The Department of Revenue considers an order accepted once the company confirms an online purchase and begins the shipping process.

Non-Qualifying Purchases

Not all outdoor-related products qualify for the tax exemption. Rentals and repairs of eligible items are excluded, as are purchases intended for commercial use. Additionally, the exemption does not apply to sales made within theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, or airports. Attention should also be given to packages that combine exempt and non-exempt items, as these may be subject to sales tax.

Paying with Gift Cards

Consumers can use a gift card to pay for eligible items, as long as the purchase is made within the tax holiday period. The original purchase date of the gift card does not affect the eligibility of the product.

Duration of the Tax Holiday

The tax holiday will remain in effect until Thursday, December 31, 2026, giving shoppers almost the entire last quarter of the year to make eligible camping and fishing purchases. Before making a purchase, it's advisable to verify both the type of product and its price.

The Florida Department of Revenue provides official information on the 2026 Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday, along with applicable rules for consumers and retailers.