Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis presides over a state that is kind of schizophrenic on guns. They are pretty pro-gun in a lot of ways, yet they passed the post-Parkland gun control laws and can’t seem to get them repealed. Still, they got permitless carry, then the courts handed them true constitutional carry, so it’s a state that won’t allow a 20-year-old soldier to buy an AR-15 to take to a private range, but adults can carry handguns without a permit.
Weird.
And now, we’ve got a second annual Second Amendment sales tax holiday from the good governor.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is back for a second year, providing tax relief on firearms, ammunition and a wide range of hunting, fishing and camping supplies through December 31. The Governor also broke ground on the new Florida Archery Center at Tenoroc in Lakeland, expanding opportunities for Floridians to participate in shooting sports and enjoy the outdoors.
“Since I became governor, we have enacted billions of dollars in tax cuts. This year’s hunting, fishing and camping sales tax holiday—ongoing through December 31—will provide Floridians with even more tax relief,” said Governor DeSantis. “We are proud to protect Floridians’ Second Amendment rights while helping hunters, anglers, and sportsmen keep more of their hard-earned money.”
The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday began September 1 and runs through December 31, 2026. During the holiday, Florida will suspend the collection of sales tax on eligible firearms, ammunition and hunting, fishing and camping equipment.
Eligible purchases include:
- Ammunition;
- Firearms, including pistols, rifles and shotguns;
- Firearm accessories, including holsters, grips, sights, stocks and cleaning kits;
- Bows, crossbows and related accessories;
- Fishing rods, reels, bait and tackle; and
- Eligible camping supplies, including tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves and lanterns.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural holiday, Florida expanded tax relief for 2026. This year, the state doubled the eligible price thresholds for fishing bait and tackle to $10 for individual items and $20 for multiple items sold together. Florida also expanded tax relief for firearm accessories through a separate sales tax exemption that includes magazines, range bags, firearm barrels, triggers, slings, bipods and suppressors.
You can get suppressors tax-free.
That makes me giggle. Especially now that so many people can lawfully buy suppressors over the counter, like any firearm. It’s a glorious new day in America, especially in Florida right now.
I get that governments need to raise money, but it always felt wrong to be charged a tax on something required in order to exercise a constitutionally protected right. A computer isn’t necessary for free speech, and one can practice freedom of religion without a copy of the Bible at home, hypothetically. You can’t keep and bear arms without, you know, arms.
This sales tax holiday, which has me considering a trip south to stock up on some accessories and maybe some archery gear to get into that particular party.
It’s something every state needs to do and do often.
Unfortunately, only about half the states look like they might be remotely interested in such a thing, and that’s probably optimistic. Such a freaking shame.
Read the full article here
