NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsJuly 30, 2026Hillsborough
2026 Tampa Bay Back-to-School Guide
This guide provides the start dates for the 2026 school year across various Tampa Bay area counties and details the ongoing Florida sales tax holiday for school supplies.
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Families in Tampa Bay must prepare for school start dates ranging from August 10 to August 13, 2026, and can utilize a state sales tax exemption on school-related purchases through August 20.
Key Facts
- Florida sales tax holiday for school items runs from July 20 to August 20, 2026.
- Citrus, DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties start school on Monday, Aug. 10.
- Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Pinellas, and Polk counties start school on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
- Pasco County starts school on Thursday, Aug. 13.
- Tax-exempt items can be purchased in-store or online during the sales tax holiday period.
Who's Mentioned
locationPasco County“School district start date: Aug. 13”locationPinellas County“School district start date: Aug. 11”locationSarasota County“School district start date: Aug. 10”locationHighlands County“School district start date: Aug. 11”locationHernando County“School district start date: Aug. 11”locationHardee County“School district start date: Aug. 11”locationManatee County“School district start date: Aug. 10”locationCitrus County“School district start date: Aug. 10”locationDeSoto County“School district start date: Aug. 10”locationHillsborough County“School district start date: Aug. 10”locationPolk County“School district start date: Aug. 11”