Sales tax holiday this weekend for energy-efficient appliances

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – If you are in the market for a new appliance, the state of Florida has a deal for you.

From dishwashers to washing machines, a dozen energy-efficient appliances will be tax-free this weekend.

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"It uses a third of the water of a traditional washer. This unit right here costs $17 a year to operate if you have an electric water heater," said appliance dealer Mike Monroe. "You're looking at $46 a year here, so you're talking about $30 a year in energy consumption difference between the two."

When it comes to water-saving appliances, toilets, faucets, shower heads and irrigation controllers are also tax free.

Samantha Lee Stratton, of the Florida Retail Federation, said retailers will also be offering special discounts.

"You know, consumers deferred these types of purchases during the economic downturn," Stratton said. "And this is their opportunity to upgrade their appliances inside the home."

This is only the second time energy-efficient appliances have been tax-free. Light bulbs are included in this go-round. But there is a catch on big ticket items. Only the first $1,500 of a purchase is tax-free.

There are also quantity limitations.

"You can buy multiples of items that are Energy Star-rated if the value of it is under $500, but if it's over $500 up to $1,500, you can only buy one in that category," Monroe said.

Clothes dryers are on the list, but no Energy Star-rated dryers are currently on the market.

The state budgeted $2 million for taxes it won't collect, but retailers say the number is likely to be much larger.

The tax-free holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday. A full list of the products and rules can be found here: http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/tips/pdf/tip14a01-06_energy_list.pdf.