CAMDEN COUNTY, Ga. – Many shoppers, who are already planning to hit the stores for "back to school" shopping, will notice something very different this time around. There will not be a tax-free weekend this year in Georgia.
Lawmakers never passed legislation setting aside time for it this year.
Signs marketing "Back to School" shopping are up in Camden County retail stores. But for the first time in about a decade, shoppers will have to pay a sales tax on things like clothes or school supplies ahead of the school year.
"It could be frustrating for a lot of people," said Marian Allen, who lives in Camden County.
With the cities of St. Marys and Kingsland both reflecting a 7 percent sales tax, the difference in savings could add up for shoppers buying for multiple children.
Several store managers told News4Jax that with Camden County being right on the Florida/Georgia border, the lack of a sales-tax holiday could inspire people to hit the road and shop in Florida.
Allen is one of those shoppers who said she would drive to Yulee to benefit from no sales tax during Florida's tax-free weekend Aug. 4-6.
"Savings is always wonderful when you have kids,” said Sarah Rose. Her son is too young for school right now, but she knows that won't last.
She said she hopes Georgia lawmakers will bring back tax-free weekend in the near future.
Other border states having a tax-free weekend include Alabama and South Carolina.