Second Amendment tax holidays are gaining traction across the United States, offering significant savings for firearm and ammunition buyers. These state-specific initiatives temporarily waive sales taxes on guns, ammo, and related accessories, encouraging responsible purchases while supporting the exercise of constitutional rights. In 2025, states like Florida, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana are leading the charge, with millions in projected savings for consumers.
Florida’s Expansive Tax Holiday
Florida’s Second Amendment sales tax holiday, running from September 8 through December 31, 2025, is one of the most comprehensive in the nation. Signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, the initiative exempts firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, hunting, fishing, and camping supplies from the state’s 6% sales tax. State economists estimate savings of $44.8 million for Florida buyers.
JD Johnson, co-owner of Talon Tactical Outfitters near Tallahassee, noted that buyers are likely to upgrade their purchases during this period. “People planning to buy a new hunting shotgun or rifle will take advantage of the tax savings to invest in higher-quality equipment,” he said. The tax holiday also covers accessories like gun cases and safes, making it a prime time for comprehensive purchases.
Why It Matters: Florida’s extended tax holiday, originally proposed as a “Second Amendment Summer” by Gov. DeSantis, now spans nearly four months, offering unmatched savings for gun enthusiasts and hunters.
Other States with Second Amendment Tax Holidays
Several states have followed suit, implementing their own versions of Second Amendment tax holidays:
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South Carolina: Since 2008, South Carolina has held a Second Amendment Weekend, running from the Friday after Thanksgiving to midnight the following Saturday. This tax-free period covers firearms and related accessories, making it a popular time for holiday shopping.
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Mississippi: Mississippi’s tax holiday, which began in 2014, took place from August 29-31, 2025. It includes pistols, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, suppressors, scopes, and archery equipment. Jeremy Norris, owner of Covington County Supply, described it as one of the busiest weekends of the year, with his store opening on a rare Sunday to accommodate demand.
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Louisiana: Louisiana’s Second Amendment Weekend, held September 5-7, 2025, waives sales tax on firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies like archery gear, hunting apparel, and binoculars. The state revived this program in 2024 after a hiatus due to budget constraints.
Additionally, states like Alaska, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon have no sales tax year-round, effectively providing a permanent tax-free environment for firearm purchases.
Key Takeaway: These tax holidays make firearms and accessories more affordable, encouraging responsible purchases while boosting local economies.
Challenges and Opposition
While Second Amendment tax holidays are popular, not all states have embraced them. Proposed bills in Alabama (2014), Texas, Tennessee, Maryland (2015), and Oklahoma (2024) failed to pass, stalling efforts to expand these savings. Meanwhile, states like California and Colorado have taken the opposite approach, imposing excise taxes of 11% and 6.5%, respectively, on firearms and ammunition. These “sin taxes” aim to fund gun control programs but have drawn criticism for burdening law-abiding gun owners.
In response, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) supports the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act (H.R. 2442 and S. 1169), introduced by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho). This legislation seeks to prohibit states from implementing excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, protecting Second Amendment rights.
Benefits of Second Amendment Tax Holidays
Second Amendment tax holidays offer multiple benefits:
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Cost Savings: Buyers save significant amounts, with Florida alone projecting $44.8 million in consumer savings.
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Encouraging Responsible Ownership: Tax exemptions make it easier for law-abiding citizens to purchase firearms, safes, and accessories, promoting safe storage and use.
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Economic Boost: Retailers like Talon Tactical Outfitters and Covington County Supply report increased sales, driving revenue for local businesses.
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Support for Outdoor Activities: Many tax holidays include hunting and archery equipment, supporting recreational activities like hunting and fishing.