Sales-tax-free shopping is coming to Florida July 31 - August 8. Florida law provides that no sales tax or discretionary sales surtax, also known as local option sales tax, will be collected on sales of clothing, footwear, and certain accessories having a selling price of $100 or less. This exemption is for the period from 12:01 a.m. July 31, 1999 through midnight August 8, 1999.

"Clothing" means any article of wearing apparel, including all footwear except skis, swim fins, roller blades and skates, intended to be worn on or about the body. However, "clothing" does not include watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, or sporting equipment.

This exemption does not apply to sales of clothing within a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

Not only is this year's tax-free period 2 days longer than last year's, the exemption level has been raised from $50 to $100 and more items are exempt. Chamber member retailers interested in additional information or in receiving a representative list of exempt items are encouraged to contact the Chamber at 267-0683.