Florida Set to Embrace ‘Second Amendment Summer,’ DeSantis Declares [WATCH]

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared Monday that the state will implement a “Second Amendment Summer” tax holiday, allowing residents to purchase firearms, ammunition, and related accessories tax-free for more than a month.

The tax holiday will run from Memorial Day through the Fourth of July and is expected to save Floridians approximately $8 million on firearm and ammunition purchases.

NEW: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced his proposal for a Second Amendment Summer sales tax holiday.

It will exempt firearms, ammo and accessories from taxes from May 26 to July 4, 2025. pic.twitter.com/L3LgbQHATO

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 3, 2025

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During a press conference, DeSantis outlined a series of tax relief measures, including the Second Amendment Summer initiative.

“We are unveiling the Second Amendment Summer tax holiday, so from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July, you can get your ammunition, your firearms, and your accouterments tax-free in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.

FL Gov Ron DeSantis Announces “Second Amendment Summer Tax Holiday”

From Memorial Day to July 4th, you can get ammunition and firearms tax free!!!

This is the way!! pic.twitter.com/HTSdS3dkrg

— TONY™ (@TONYxTWO) February 4, 2025

The initiative comes as part of the governor’s broader tax relief efforts aimed at easing financial burdens on residents.

The tax exemption applies to firearms, ammunition, and various firearm accessories.

According to the governor’s office, eligible accessories include items such as charging handles, cleaning kits, holsters, optics, pistol grips, and stocks.

One exemption noted in the tax holiday is that it does not apply to gun-related clothing or apparel.

However, it is unclear whether bump stocks—devices that allow semi-automatic rifles to fire rapidly—will be included.

Bump stocks were banned by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in 2018, but the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the classification last year.

DeSantis has previously voiced opposition to bans on both bump stocks and pistol braces.

Florida firearm retailers have responded positively to the announcement.

Devito’s Pawn and Jewelry owner Jack Devito told WPTV’s Jon Shainman that the tax holiday could help boost sales during a traditionally slow season for the gun industry.

“Well, we think in the summertime our industry traditionally slows down, so we welcome any tax-free holiday,” Devito said.

He estimated that a typical firearm purchase averages around $600, meaning that customers would save approximately $42 on a single purchase.

“I think if someone was tight on money and knew that if they came in the next month and I could save $42 or $50, they might wait,” Devito added, noting that firearm pricing is generally consistent and not subject to major fluctuations.

Not everyone is in favor of the tax holiday.

Cathy Swerdlow, chair of the gun violence action prevention team with the League of Women Voters, expressed concerns about the policy.

She argued that eliminating sales tax on firearms does not serve as a deterrent to purchasing them and suggested a different approach.

“What we really need is a tax holiday on gun safes and trigger locks, so that people who have guns can store them appropriately,” Swerdlow told WPTV.

When asked whether Florida’s legislature might push back against the tax holiday, DeSantis dismissed the idea.

“I think this is going to be wildly popular,” DeSantis said. “Why would they want to fight back on that? This is something their voters would expect them to support.”

The initiative adds to Florida’s ongoing efforts to expand gun rights and promote Second Amendment protections under DeSantis’ administration.

Whether this tax holiday could become an annual or permanent policy remains to be seen, but for now, Florida gun owners will be able to take advantage of significant savings throughout the summer.

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