DeSantis announces sales tax holiday for firearms, ammunition and outdoor gear

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a statewide sales tax holiday for firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, bows and crossbows, and selected hunting, fishing and camping gear that will run from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31, 2025.

DeSantis said the holiday is intended as consumer relief and as a way to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary while encouraging outdoor recreation. "Today, I'm proud to announce the beginning of our Second Amendment sales tax holiday, which will be no tax, no sales tax on the retail sale of firearms, ammunition, accoutrements, as well as items used for fishing or camping, and other items used for hunting," the governor said.

The governor and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins said the list of tax-exempt items includes firearms (pistols, rifles and shotguns), ammunition, holsters, sights and cleaning kits; bows, crossbows and related accessories; and select camping and fishing equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, rods and reels. DeSantis said some camping and outdoor items will be tax-exempt up to dollar limits set by the legislature and that a full list is hosted at floridarevenue.com/huntfishcamp.

DeSantis and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials also announced discounted and free shooting-range passes tied to the holiday. The state will offer half-price passes at public FWC ranges on certain dates and free range passes for veterans on Sunday, Nov. 9, in honor of Veterans Day. The governor listed specific range dates and locations during the event and said additional details are posted online. "If you purchase guns or ammo during our Second Amendment holiday, we are inviting you to exercise your rights at one of FWC's public shooting sports ranges," DeSantis said.

An Olympic shooter who addressed the event, identified in the program as Dania, thanked the governor for the holiday, saying it will reduce costs for families and aspiring athletes. "The exemption of sales tax on these items over the next four months will help so many Florida families, and hopefully some young aspiring Olympians to participate in the sport," she said.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, who led the constitutional-carry effort in the Florida Senate, framed the holiday as part of the administration’s broader support for hunting, fishing and firearm rights. "I am pro God. I am pro gun. I am pro life, and I stand unequivocally for those values," Collins said at the event.

FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto thanked the governor for agency resources tied to fisheries and wildlife work and said the commission will continue related public-safety and conservation efforts. DeSantis also noted ongoing and planned FWC initiatives, including work on red snapper management and invasive-python efforts.

The governor said additional promotions will include reduced prices on multi-year hunting and fishing licenses; he said the usual $500 five-year gold sportsman's license will be offered for $250 as part of the 250th-anniversary promotions. DeSantis directed Floridians to floridarevenue.com/huntfishcamp for the complete list of qualifying items, dates and any statutory dollar limits.

The announcement follows earlier fiscal measures DeSantis cited — including business tax relief and broader annual tax reductions — though he and other speakers did not link the holiday to specific budget offsets during the news event.

DeSantis and state officials said the holiday is effective immediately and urged prospective buyers to consult the revenue website for itemized lists and any per-item limits.