You know that high priced kayak you’ve been eye- ing? The paper-light one with ergonomic seating? Soon you may be able to splurge with a tad less guilt.

Florida’s tax-free week, running from July 1-7, has been expanded to include boating and fishing equipment along with many nonmarine-related recreational events and supplies.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 7061 in late May. Touted as “Freedom Week,” lawmakers emphasize that the tax break shows the state’s less restrictive tax nature.

“As Florida families prepare for a full return to pre-pandemic life, the bill provides tax relief for a variety of outdoor events and activities individuals and families can enjoy this summer and fall,” said bill sponsor Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez R-Miami in a prepared statement.

The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of life jackets and coolers; the first $50 of safety flares; the first $150 of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and recreational inflatable water tubes or floats capable of being towed; the first $300 of paddle- boards and surfboards; the first $500 of canoes and kayaks; the first $75 of paddles and oars; and the first $25 of snorkels, goggles and swimming masks.

Anglers also will see a break with the tax holiday applying to the first $75 of the sales price of rods and reels, if sold individually, or the first $150 of the sales price if sold as a set; the first $30 of tackle boxes or bags; and the first $5 of bait or fishing tackle, if sold individually, or the first $10 if multiple items are sold together.
Also tax free until Dec. 31 will be cultural and recreational outings such as concerts, plays, festivals and sporting events.

“Freedom Week” comes on the heels of the “Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday,” running from May 28 to June 6, when people can get a break on supplies for the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

Included among tax-free items: flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less; radios $50 or less; tarps $100 or less, coolers $60 or less, batteries costing $50 or less; and generators $1,000 or less.