No, that’s not Florida. But shoppers who buy camping equipment in the Sunshine State can save some tax dollars on tents and more thanks to the state’s hunting, fishing, and camping sales tax holiday that runs through Dec. 31. (Photo by Dominik Jirovský on Unsplash)
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Campers can save some tax dollars during Florida’s four-month outdoor-themed sales tax holiday that began Sept. 1. Louisiana gun buyers get tax savings during their state’s Labor Day tax holiday. And Hoosiers can drive for less thanks to another month’s suspension of a pair of Indiana gasoline taxes.
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Millions of Americans spend this coming long Labor Day break celebrating the unofficial end of summer.
Some will gather with family and friends at beaches. Others will simply enjoy a backyard cookout. And some will go shopping.
Those in that last group also might rack up some tax savings if they are in Florida and Louisiana. Those states are holding special sales tax holidays.
Hunting and fishing without taxes, oh my: Florida’s no-sales-tax event actually started earlier this week and continues through the end of the year. During this Sept. 1 to Dec. 31 sales tax exemption period, consumers will save on products that enhance their hunting, fishing, and camping experiences.
The major items that won’t be subject to Florida’s 6 percent sales tax (or any other local discretionary sales surtaxes) include —
- Firearms and ammunition;
- Certain firearms accessories (barrels; cases or range bags; charging handles; cleaning kits; handguards; holsters; internal parts and components; magazines or other ammunition feeding devices or carriers; pistol grips; shooting chronographs; shooting mats, rests, or bipods; sights or optics; slides or cylinders; slings; stocks or braces; suppressors or silencers; triggers);
- Bows and crossbows; and
- Certain archery-related accessories (arrows, bolts, quarrels, quivers, releases, sights or optics, and wrist guards).
Even better news for Florida hunters is that there is no price cap on this wide range of hunting items on that make this special no-sales-tax list.
There are, however, sales tax limitations on other outdoor gear that qualifies qualify for Florida tax savings. For example, tents must cost $200 or less. Other camping supply categories have price tag tops of $30 and $50.
Sunshine State anglers also face no-tax price limits. Fishing rods and reels are tax-free only is they individually cost $75 or less, or $150 or less if sold as a set. Assorted bait and tackle price caps are set at $10, $20 and $30.
The Florida Department of Revenue’s special PDF document has details. So does the state’s tax tip. You also can check out the 2026 Florida Hunting, Fishing and Camping Sales Tax Holiday FAQs for Consumers.
State economists estimate consumers will save nearly $40 million (or Florida will lose that much revenue if you’re a tax glass half empty kind of estimator) thanks to the special four-month sales tax holiday.
Second Amendment tax savings: Louisiana gun shoppers also will find tax savings during their state’s Second Amendment Weekend Sales Tax Holiday.
Louisiana’s 5 percent sales tax won’t be collected from Sept. 4-6 on consumer purchases of firearms, ammunition and specified hunting supplies, including archery items, hunting apparel and certain types of knives.
In addition to the Pelican State sales tax savings, that range of hunting supplies also is exempt from state and local sales tax. That’s very good news depending on where the buyer lives (or shops), since Louisiana city and special district tax rates can add an extra 4 percent to 8 percent on top of the state base.
Even better, like Florida’s similar tax break, Louisiana doesn’t limit the price of weaponry that qualifies for the holiday tax exemption.
But don’t get greedy. Some items aren’t eligible for Louisiana’s sales tax Labor Day exemption. If you buy a hunting dogs, animal feed, off-road vehicles, or vessels such as airboats, you’ll owe tax on them.
You can find more information, including special provisions and complete lists of what does and doesn’t qualify for the tax savings, at the Louisiana Department of Revenue Second Amendment sales tax holiday page.
Indiana extends gas tax holiday: Most of the Florida and Louisiana shoppers probably won’t have to drive very far to take advantage of their sales tax holiday savings. That’s good, since auto fuel prices continue to climb.
In fact, U.S. drivers hitting the highways this long holiday weekend will pay more for gas than they have in a while.
AAA reports that Labor Day travelers are facing the highest gas prices ever for this time of year. The national average, as of Sept. 3, is $4.14, up 4 cents from last week. Before this new per-gallon peak, the prior Labor Day gasoline record was $3.82.
The current pump price increase is largely due to continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, which has pushed crude oil prices in the $90 per barrel range.
That’s likely part of the reason that Indiana’s Republican Gov. Mike Braun decided today to continue his state’s gas tax holiday for another month.
This is the sixth consecutive month that Braun has suspended both his state’s gas excise tax and gas usage tax. The move, which will put the two taxes on hold though Oct. 5, will save Hoosiers approximately 60 cents per gallon at the pump.
When Braun initiated the gas tax holiday in April, Indiana had one of the highest fuel costs in the United States. Since then, the continued suspension of the gas excise and gas usage taxes has kept Indiana among the cheapest in gasoline costs.
Diesel users, however, still face steep charges, since all of the tax suspensions affect only gasoline. Earlier today, fuel price tracker Gas Buddy noted that the national average price of diesel has reached $5.77 per gallon. That’s less than 5 cents from a new all-time U.S. price record.
Tracking cheaper gas: If you’re in one of the other 49 states, sorry about the pump prices. But technology might be able to help.
Whether you are driving to a local retailer to take advantage of sales tax savings, or heading out for an end-of-summer excursion, several mobile apps can comparison shop before you start your auto.
PC Magazine evaluates some of the more popular options that can route you to the cheapest gas stations in your town.
And whatever your reason for being on the road this Labor Day weekend, be careful and stay safe!
