Governor Ron DeSantis announces Florida’s first-ever Second Amendment sales tax holiday to help residents save on hunting and outdoor gear
Plant City, Florida – In a move that underscores Florida’s ongoing commitment to outdoor recreation and constitutional rights, Governor Ron DeSantis today announced the first-ever Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday in the state. The new tax holiday will run from Monday, September 8, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025, offering Floridians an opportunity to save money on firearms, ammunition, and other hunting, fishing, and camping supplies.
“We’re committed to helping Floridians keep more of their hard-earned money, and the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is one way to do that,” said Governor DeSantis. “Florida is a great state for outdoor adventure and exercising your Second Amendment rights, and we’re working to keep it that way.”
The announcement comes alongside several sportsman-focused initiatives, aimed at encouraging residents to enjoy the state’s natural resources while benefiting from tangible cost savings. Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins praised the measure, highlighting Florida’s role in safeguarding traditional freedoms. “Florida leads the nation in protecting freedom, family, and tradition,” Collins said. “This 2nd Amendment Sales Tax Holiday delivers real tax relief for families and ensures Floridians can pass down our values to the next generation.”
Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), also expressed support for the initiative, encouraging residents to take full advantage of the new program. “We appreciate Governor DeSantis’ steadfast commitment to these tax-saving measures that benefit all Floridians,” Barreto said. “I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy the outdoors.”
Florida has long maintained a reputation for financial stability and low taxes, consistently ranking among the states with the lowest per-capita tax burdens. With a AAA credit rating from all major agencies and a low unemployment rate, the state has positioned itself as both economically robust and business-friendly. Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis signed the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget, which included $2 billion in overall tax relief measures. This package featured the permanent repeal of the Business Rent Tax as well as several targeted sales tax holidays. Among these, the Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday alone is expected to deliver $450 million in savings for Florida families and residents.
During the tax holiday, the state will suspend collection of sales tax on a wide range of items essential for hunting, fishing, and camping. Residents can expect to save money on firearms such as pistols, rifles, and shotguns, along with ammunition, bows, crossbows, and related accessories including holsters, grips, sights, stocks, and cleaning kits. The holiday also covers equipment necessary for outdoor activities, like camping lanterns and flashlights priced at $30 or less, stoves, hammocks, chairs, and sleeping bags under $50, tents priced at $200 or less, and fishing supplies including bait, tackle, rods, reels, and tackle boxes within designated price ranges. For a full list of qualifying items, Floridians are encouraged to visit FloridaRevenue.com/HuntFishCamp.
Governor DeSantis also announced complementary initiatives to further support outdoor recreation and celebrate constitutional rights. Many of the state’s shooting ranges are already free to the public year-round, but during the sales tax holiday, certain ranges will offer half-priced passes on specific dates. These include:
• Sunday, October 12th (Columbus Day) at all ranges;
• Saturday, October 25th and Saturday, December 6th at the Tenoroc Shooting Center in Lakeland and the Bay County Shooting Range in Panama City Beach;
• Saturday, November 22nd (Thanksgiving) and Saturday, December 20th (Christmas) at the Triple N. Ranch Shooting Range in St. Cloud and the Palm Beach County Shooting Sports Complex in West Palm Beach.
In addition, Florida will honor the nation’s veterans by offering free range passes on Sunday, November 9th, in recognition of Veterans Day. These measures are part of broader celebrations tied to America250, marking the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.
To further commemorate this milestone, Florida will also offer its standard five-year Gold sportsman license, typically priced at $500, for just $250 during the sales tax holiday. This reduction underscores the state’s effort to make outdoor recreation more accessible while celebrating the constitutional right to bear arms.
The Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is expected to have broad appeal across Florida. With hunting and outdoor sports deeply rooted in state culture, the initiative provides both economic relief and a chance to engage in traditional recreational activities. Retailers specializing in firearms, hunting gear, camping equipment, and fishing supplies are preparing for increased demand, anticipating a surge in purchases as Floridians take advantage of tax savings.
Experts note that sales tax holidays can stimulate local economies by encouraging residents to spend within the state rather than seeking goods elsewhere. Combined with Florida’s already low tax environment, these measures reflect a policy approach aimed at preserving family values, personal freedoms, and the state’s reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Governor DeSantis’ announcement has been met with support from multiple quarters, emphasizing the intersection of fiscal responsibility and constitutional freedoms. By providing Floridians with tangible ways to save money while enjoying the state’s natural resources, the program represents a multifaceted effort to promote economic relief, recreational engagement, and patriotic celebration.
As the September 8 start date approaches, residents across Florida are being encouraged to plan their purchases and outdoor activities accordingly. With a combination of tax-free shopping, discounted sportsman licenses, and special range events, the inaugural Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is poised to make a lasting impact on families, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the state.
This historic initiative not only offers financial benefits but also reinforces Florida’s long-standing commitment to freedom, tradition, and community engagement, allowing residents to enjoy the state’s natural beauty while celebrating the principles on which the nation was founded.
