TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Parents and guardians rejoice! Diapers could soon become sales tax-free in Florida starting in July.
The move comes after the 2022 state budget, as approved Monday, includes the removal of the sales tax on diapers.
“The care of young children comes with tremendous costs,” said Senator Lauren Book, D-Miami. “Florida families are facing especially difficult times right now and we owe it to them to no longer tax necessary healthcare items like diapers.”
Included in the tax exemption is the following:
- single-use diapers
- reusable diapers
- reusable diaper inserts.
“Disposable diapers cost families up to $80 per month per child, which creates a significant cost burden and is an unavoidable expense. This tax exemption will help ensure that a parent never hesitates before putting a fresh, clean diaper on their child when needed,” Senator Book added.
“One in three mothers in Pinellas County and Hillsborough County will face diaper need at some point in their lifetime, so the need is extreme in this area," said Torrie Jasuwan, the director and founder at Babycycle Diaper Bank in Pinellas County.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in three American families struggle with diaper needs. Jasuwan shared just how much this could help families.
“The tax-exempt status on diapers is going to greatly help parents in our state because they’ll be able to use the funds saved on other things like clothing for back to school or even rent or electricity or food," said Jasuwan. "Even though it may seem like a small amount, it really adds up.”
The benefit would take effect on July 1, 2022. Governor DeSantis hasn't signed the budget yet, and it needs his signature to make the diaper sales tax exemption official. The governor does also have the power of a line-item veto, meaning he could cut the measure as well.
Officials explain this diaper sales tax exemption is non-recurring, meaning state legislators would have to come back and re-authorize it year after year.
Unfortunately, this agreement doesn’t include adult incontinence products (though they were a part of my proposal) — we’ll continue the fight next year.
— Lauren Book (@LeaderBookFL) March 14, 2022
