PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Most Tampa Bay area students have two weeks left of summer break, which means it’s time to start thinking about getting new backpacks and school supplies ready for the first day. 

The 2024 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins Monday, July 29 and runs until Sunday, August 11.

What You Need To Know

  •  WHAT IS TAX FREE? Full List

  •  Sales tax holiday runs from Monday, July 29 until Sunday, August 11

  •  Airports, entertainment centers, and theme parks excluded 

  • BACK TO SCHOOL: Whats new in 2024

Tax-free items during this stretch include many typical school supplies that are $50 or less, clothes and shoes that are $100 or less per item, and laptops, calculators, or tablets that cost $1,500 or less.  Puzzles, some books, and toys that teach reading or math skills are also covered under this sales tax holiday.

If purchasing a new backpack and needed supplies are a financial strain, organizations like the James B. Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center provides these items free of cost.

Through funding from the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, the Sanderlin Center had hundreds of backpacks and bundles of school supplies available. To pick up a backpack, visit their location at 2335 22nd Ave S between 5:30 - 7 p.m. on Thursdays. You must have your child present and they will be allowed to pick out their favorite design.

“We will be giving them out as part of our Thriving Thursday food pantry, so families just need to come in with their child and pick out a backpack and school supplies to take home,” program director Jessica Evans explained.

If you don’t live in St. Pete but are in need of similar assistance, you can give the center a call and they will help connect you to resources in your area.

Dexter McCree, who works as a case manager for the center, says it’s important to not let a child feel the same financial burdens adults do so this is a perfect opportunity to get supplies in a stress-free way. McCree says sending your child to school with confidence is the most important thing.

“Invest in education more than in shoes and clothes that are going wear out and you gotta do it all over again in a year,” he said.

If you want to lend a hand, the City of St. Pete is hosting two school supply drives.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can drop items off at the Bay Vista Recreation Center through July 31 or the St. Pete Greenhouse in downtown until August 2. Items will be distributed at a backpack giveaway event on August 10.