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Florida families could see relief with tax-free diapers, children's clothing

Included in the state budget is a one-year relief on sales taxes for those items.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida families could soon see some relief to their wallets when shopping for essentials. 

Part of the record $112.1 billion Florida state budget passed Monday by state lawmakers include sales tax exemptions on diapers, children's clothing, shoes and books.

According to state lawmakers, if Gov. Ron DeSantis approves the budget as-is, a one-year sales tax exemption will begin July 1 for diapers and children's clothing and shoes. 

Children's books will be tax-free for three months starting May 14 and will end Aug. 14.

The budget would make single-use diapers, reusable diapers and reusable diaper inserts tax-free until June 30, 2023. 

"In the first year of a child's life, parents can expect to use approximately 3,000 diapers, or an average of eight diapers per day," lawmakers said in a release.

It would also allow parents of children under the age of five to buy clothing and shoes without sales tax until June 30, 2023. 

"Florida is home to more than one million children under age five, and welcomes nearly 600 newborns each day," lawmakers say. 

Florida State Senator Lauren Book (D - Broward) tweeted Monday she's been "fighting" to get rid of the diaper tax since she was elected in 2016. 

"After years of hard work, I am proud to share that the 2022 state budget - as approved today - finally includes the removal of the sales tax on diapers," she tweeted, in part.

The state's budget also includes pay raises for state workers, first responders, law enforcement and teachers. And, it includes a one-month gas tax suspension, too. 

DeSantis, who is running for reelection and is considered to be a potential 2024 presidential candidate, has final say on the budget bill. 

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