Looking for Memorial Day weekend plans? You can get into any of Florida's state parks free

Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal
·3 min read

Florida’s “Summer of Freedom” sales tax holiday is set to kick off again starting with free admission to state parks over Memorial Day weekend.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed off on the holiday on Tuesday following the success of last year’s historic $2.7 billion tax relief package.

This year’s sales tax holiday isn’t quite as extravagant, lasting only the month of July rather than the whole summer.

Pensacola state parks: Looking for things to do in Pensacola? Try one of our three state parks

Consumers can enjoy tax savings when purchasing fishing supplies, outdoor recreational equipment, admissions to state parks and museums.

“Florida’s 175 award-winning state parks are second to none,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “I encourage all of Florida’s residents and visitors to take advantage of these extra savings and discover the unique experiences the real Florida has to offer.”

Here is what to know about Florida’s Summer of Freedom sales tax holiday and our local state parks.

What is Florida’s Summer of Freedom sales tax holiday?

DeSantis first unveiled the Summer of Freedom sales tax holiday last May while announcing a historic $2.7 billion in tax relief that also included permanent sales tax exemptions for baby and toddler needs, as well as oral hygiene products, firearm safety devices and firearm trigger locks and cables.

Last year’s tax holiday lasted from May 29 to Sept. 4. This year will offer tax exemptions for items through the month of July, with a few exceptions. Here’s a quick look:

Boating and water activity supplies:

  • Goggles and snorkels ($25 or less)

  • Pool toys ($35 or less)

  • Coolers, life jackets, paddles ($75 or less)

  • Inflatable water tubes and floats, wakeboards ($150 or less)

  • Paddleboards, surfboards ($300 or less)

  • Canoes, kayaks ($500 or less)

Fishing supplies:

  • Bait and tackle ($5 or less for individual items, $10 or less for multiple items sold together)

  • Tackle boxes ($30 or less)

  • Reels, rods ($75 or less)

Camping supplies:

  • Flashlights ($30 or less)

  • Sleeping bags, camping chairs ($50 or less)

  • Tents ($200 or less)

Outdoor supplies:

  • Sunscreen ($15 or less)

  • Water bottles ($30 or less)

  • Bicycle helmets ($50 or less)

  • Outdoor grills ($250 or less)

  • Bicycles ($500 or less)

Admissions to events or performances scheduled to be held between July 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024:

  • Live music events

  • Live sporting events

  • Movies to be shown in a movie theater

  • Ballets

  • Plays

  • Fairs

  • Festivals

Admissions purchased for any of the following:

  • Museums, including annual passes

  • State parks, including annual passes

  • Season tickets for ballets, plays, music events, and musical theater performances

Get into Florida’s state parks for free on Memorial Day weekend

In addition to getting into Florida’s state parks for free in July, DeSantis announced free entrance on Memorial Day weekend, which runs May 24-27.

"To start off our Summer of Freedom, we are suspending entrance fees for Florida State Parks during Memorial Day weekend," DeSantis said during the announcement. "Florida’s award-winning state parks are a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors. I encourage all Floridians to take advantage of the upcoming entrance fee-free weekend!"

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida state parks: How to get free entry on Memorial Day weekend