Save On Summer Events, Outdoor Gear & More During the Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday

Purchase outdoor and event tickets, and pay no taxes during the brand new 2021 Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday.  From July 1 to July 7, save on purchases to outdoor concerts, sporting events, passes to state parks and a large variety of outdoor gear and sporting equipment. 

Eligible items include: 

 Admissions

• Live music events, movies, ballets and plays
• Live sporting events
• Museum entry, including annual passes
• State park entry, including annual passes
• Musical theater performances
• Fairs, festivals and cultural events
• Private and membership clubs providing physical fitness facilities

General Outdoor Supplies

• The first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen and insect repellent
• The first $30 of the sales price of water bottles
• The first $50 of the sales price of hydration packs and bicycle helmets
• The first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses
• The first $200 of the sales price of binoculars
• The first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills, and bicycles

Fishing Supplies

• The first $5 of the sales price of bait or fishing tackle if sold individually (the first $10 if sold as a set)​
• The first $30 of the sales price of tackle boxes or bags
• The first $75 off the sales price of rods and reels if sold individually (the first $150 if sold as a set)

Boating and Water Activity Supplies

• The first $25 of the sales price of snorkels, goggles and swimming masks
• The first $50 of the sales price of safety flares
• The first $75 off the sales price of life jackets, coolers, paddles and oars
• The first $150 of the sales price of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards and recreational inflatable water tubes or floats capable of being towed
• The first $300 of the sales price of paddleboards and surfboards
• The first $500 of the sales price of canoes and kayaks

Camping Supplies

• The first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights
• The first $50 of the sales price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves and collapsible camping chairs
• The first $200 of the sales price of tents

Sports Equipment 

• Any item used in individual or team sports, not including clothing or footwear, selling for $40 or less

Visit the Florida Department of Revenue website for a full list of all items eligible for tax-free savings.

For more information on the specific tax savings you may find, visit the Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday FAQs.

Plan Your Fourth of July Festivities in Southwest Florida

There are many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in Southwest Florida.  Check out Marco Island's firework view from the beach, Pure Florida's Firework Cruise, Riverside Park's firework and laser show, and the City of Naples' Fourth of July parade. 

Gulfshore Life is providing an updated list of all the events currently scheduled in Naples and Fort Myers.  You can view the list here. 

Find Fireworks in Your Area

This year, most of the major annual firework shows in Fort Myers, Naples, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Punta Gorda are back for the community to enjoy.

Below find a list of upcoming firework celebrations. The Naples Daily News will also be providing updates on this article here.

Friday, July 2 - Sunday, July 4

• Fort Myers: Mighty Mussels Independence Day Weekend Fireworks
• Punta Gorda: An American Holiday: Stars, Stripes & Fireworks

Saturday, July 3

• Naples: Fourth of July Parade
• Punta Gorda: Celebrate America Concert

Sunday, July 4

• Lehigh Acres: 4th of July Fireworks Show
• Fort Myers Beach: Fort Myers Beach fireworks
• Punta Gorda: FourthFest
• Marco Island: Marco Island fireworks
• LaBelle: Red, White & Tunes
• Fort Myers:
  • Downtown Fort Myers Freedom Fest
  • July Fourth Independence Day Cruise
  • July 4th Fireworks Cruise
  • Fireworks at Naples Pier
  • Collier County Parks & Recreation Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
  • Red, White & Boom

Learn more about all upcoming events in the Naples Daily News.

Stay Cool This Summer & Visit South Florida's Museums or Art Galleries

Now that the state has reopened and summer is in full swing, there are more ways to beat the heat.  Take advantage of the beauty of the museums and art galleries in Southwest Florida.

From July 1 until July 7, you can find tax-free savings on the purchase of museum or gallery admissions for visits from July 1 through
December 31, 2021.

Fort Myers Florida Weekly has a full list of locations and current exhibitions to enjoy this summer.  View the list here.

Visit the 'Real Florida' & Enjoy Florida's Natural Landscape 

Southwest Florida is known for our calm, sandy Gulf beaches, but there are many ecosystems and beautiful landscapes beyond the coast. 

Plan a camping trip, hike with some friends or just enjoy a change of scenery at one of Florida state parks. 

State park passes are an additional item that is tax-free during Freedom Week from July 1- 7.

Visit floridastateparks.org or https://www.stateparks.com/southwest_florida_parks.html for more information.

The 2021 Florida State Budget Spending Plan Goes Into Effect Next Month

On July 1, the spending plan for the 2021 Florida State Budget that was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis will go into effect. 

On June 2, the Governor signed the budget for 2021-2022 fiscal year into law.  The budget totaled $101.5 billion and included $169 million in tax relief.

One of our most important responsibilities in the Senate is to develop and pass a balanced state budget that funds the priorities of our state for the year ahead.  

Some of the key priorities funded in this year’s budget are:

• State highway projects;
• Bonuses to first responders, teachers and childcare providers; 
• Reimbursements to health care employees and emergency responders for childcare expenses incurred during the pandemic; 
• Funding to modernize Florida’s antiquated reemployment assistance program, CONNECT; 
• Funds to support affordable housing, reduce wastewater and mitigate sea-level rise; 
• Resources to expediting water quality improvements and support environmental restoration.