Florida Suspends Sales Tax on Guns and Ammunition for the First Time

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For the first time in state history, Florida has suspended sales tax on firearms and ammunition, placing them in the same category as hunting, fishing, and camping gear such as tents under $200, sleeping bags under $50, and flashlights under $30.

The measure is being promoted by Governor Ron DeSantis under the banner of “Second Amendment Summer,” a reference to the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment, which protects the right to keep and bear arms. The tax holiday will run through the end of the year.

Gun store owners say the decision could provide much-needed relief after years of high prices driven by the pandemic, global conflicts, and tariff policies under former President Donald Trump.

"The cost of firearms and ammunition has stayed very high for years. Removing the tax is a relief for customers and helps us move inventory," said one local gun shop owner.

According to market data, the average price of a hunting rifle ranges from $500 to $2,500, and with accessories, the cost can easily exceed $3,000. The state estimates the measure will save consumers nearly $45 million while reducing state revenue by about $34.6 million.

However, the tax break has also drawn criticism. Gun safety advocates argue that the policy encourages purchases without requiring proof that the firearms will be used for hunting. They also note that gun safes and safety locks were excluded from the list of exempted items.

"If the government is going to make it easier to buy weapons, it should also promote responsibility by incentivizing safety equipment," said Fernando Peres, a public policy analyst specializing in firearms legislation.