How Target’s ‘School Assist Program’ is simplifying back-to-school shopping this season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida’s two-week tax-free holiday began Monday, and it can be the perfect opportunity for families to get their back-to-school shopping done.

The annual back-to-school Florida sales tax holiday includes two weekends. The savings run from Monday, July 29 to Sunday, Aug. 11.

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Shoppers can buy everything from electronics, clothing, and school supplies tax-exempt for the next two weeks.

What’s the catch? Purchases must be under a certain dollar amount to qualify as tax-free.

• Clothing, footwear, and accessories must cost $100 or less per item

• School supplies must cost $50 or less

• Personal computers and tablets $1,500 or less

• Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles $30 or less

Some retailers are offering back-to-school savings on top of the tax-free savings.

News4JAX visited a local Target store currently offering promotions that can be combined with tax-free savings.

• Teachers: One-time 20% off teacher discount through Aug. 24

• College students: One-time 20% off college student appreciation discount through Sept. 28.

• Students: 20-for-$20 supplies list: Target offers a list of 20 must-have school supplies that add up to less than $20 in total. Kids clothing and uniforms are also available at 30% starting Monday.

Target is also offering backpacks for just $5 — the company said it is the lowest-priced backpack they’ve offered in more than 10 years.

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If going in-store is not preferred, most local schools are a part of Target’s “School List Assist” program. Using the Target App, people can search their child’s school and add all items from their child’s specific school list to their cart for pickup in-store or delivery.

Shoppers can also get tax-free savings on back-to-school items on Amazon.