College Stores Support Florida Tax Exemption for College Textbooks

The National Association of College Stores (NACS) and the more than 225 college stores in Florida applaud Governor Rick Scott for his proposal to exempt college textbooks from state and local sales taxes.

With many students struggling to pay for their education costs, NACS considers sales tax on textbooks as an unnecessary added tax burden on students’ learning.

“Governor Scott’s proposal will provide much needed relief to students and create a more level playing field for Florida’s college stores to compete with out-of-state vendors by encouraging students to shop locally,” said Richard Hershman, NACS’ vice president of government relations.

Students will not only directly benefit from the immediate savings, but also from the additional local revenue and economic activity generated within the local community this exemption would create. This revenue may be reinvested in lowering textbook costs through greater discounting, increasing student aid for books and services like free textbook library reserves, and providing greater job opportunities for students while attending college.

Nationally, 27 states exempt college students’ textbook purchases from sales and use taxes.