Tampon Tax Exemption Moving Through Florida Legislature

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Floridians will no longer have to pay sales tax on items such as tampons and sanitary napkins if a bill flowing through the state Legislature is met with approval later this year.

The so-called tampon tax exemption, also known as SB 176, cleared the Florida Senate’s Commerce and Tourism panel unanimously earlier this week. It moves on to the Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. A related House bill has also been referred to committees for review.

The bill will essentially repeal the sales tax placed on feminine hygiene products in the 1980s. It includes items designed to “absorb or contain menstrual flow,” including pantry liners and menstrual cups.

The bill is expected to have a financial impact of about $15 million on the state. It was initiated by State Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, a Naples Republican, following the filing last year of a class-action lawsuit that challenged the tax, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

Should the bill clear both houses and receive Gov. Rick Scott’s signature, it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

To read the full text of the Senate’s bill, visit the Florida Senate online.

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