Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a “Second Amendment” tax holiday running from September 8 through December 31, allowing Floridians to purchase firearms, ammunition, and related gear without paying the state’s 6% sales tax. The move is expected to save gun buyers more than $8 million during the period, offering relief to the firearms industry as it faces a post-pandemic market slowdown.

The tax holiday, which DeSantis confirmed during an announcement Monday, will also extend to a range of outdoor recreational gear, including fishing and bowhunting equipment. The initiative is designed to boost consumer spending while underscoring the governor’s ongoing commitment to Second Amendment protections in the state.

While the firearms industry saw a historic boom during the pandemic, sales have cooled significantly in the years since. Data from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), a proxy for gun demand, shows checks dropping back to their long-term trend line, reflecting a normalization in gun sales across the country. Firearm manufacturers like Smith & Wesson have recently warned investors to brace for weaker sales projections, making Florida’s move a welcome opportunity for dealers looking to boost revenue.

Under Florida’s 6% sales tax, the tax holiday could lead to substantial savings for buyers. For instance, a Barrett M82A1 .50 BMG rifle, which retails around $9,050, would normally carry a sales tax of roughly $543—enough to cover 140 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition, giving buyers a strong incentive to make big-ticket purchases during the holiday period.

Gun rights supporters and the firearms industry have praised the measure as both a practical and symbolic win, reinforcing Florida’s stance as one of the most Second Amendment-friendly states in the country. The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) celebrated the announcement, posting on social media, “BREAKING: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces 2ND AMENDMENT TAX HOLIDAY for this year. SEPT 8th to DEC 31st, tax free!”

The tax holiday also arrives at a time when political climates often influence gun sales trends. Historically, firearm demand tends to slow under Republican administrations, as core gun-buying demographics feel less urgency to stock up on firearms out of concern for restrictive federal policies. Florida’s tax holiday may help offset this trend by providing a financial incentive for purchases, aligning economic benefits with Second Amendment support.

As the fall launch of the tax holiday approaches, firearms dealers and outdoor retailers across Florida are preparing for a potential surge in customer traffic, seeing an opportunity to clear inventory while reinforcing the state’s culture of gun ownership.