Tampa, FL Back-To-School Giveaways Near Me: Where to Find Legit Deals

Tampa does not have a currently verified free backpack event as of August 19, 2026. The documented local giveaways occurred earlier this month, but several back-to-school discounts remain available. The most urgent option is Florida's sales tax holiday, which ends August 20.

Walmart's featured school-supply prices and Target's verified-member discount continue into September.

Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on August 19, 2026.

What happened to Tampa's free backpack events?

Hillsborough County Public Schools held a Tampa fair on August 1. Free backpacks were limited to the first 1,000 students, so the offer was both supply-limited and temporary. The Hillsborough County Fair also scheduled an August 1 walk-up giveaway for children in need across the county.

Imagine Pediatrics distributed backpacks, school supplies, and food on August 8 while supplies lasted. All three posted event dates have passed. Readers should not make a trip expecting those giveaways to remain open.

Use Florida's tax holiday before it ends

Florida's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday runs through Thursday, August 20. Qualifying categories include clothing, footwear, bags, school supplies, learning aids, and noncommercial personal computers, according to the Florida Department of Revenue. The exemption applies only when each item stays within its price cap: An item above its cap is not partly exempt.

Rentals, repairs, and purchases made inside theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, or airports are also excluded.

• Clothing, footwear, and bags: $100 or less per item
• School supplies: $50 or less per item
• Learning aids: $30 or less per item
• Qualifying personal computers: $1,500 or less per item

Buying a computer or electronics

Best Buy applies Florida's exemption to eligible purchases paid for by 11:59 p.m. on August 20 and delivered to a Florida address. Its 2026 Florida tax-holiday page also says business-use purchases do not qualify.

Check the price of each item rather than the entire cart total. A qualifying personal computer must cost no more than $1,500, and the tax break is intended for noncommercial personal use.

Lower-cost school supplies at Walmart

Walmart lists 14 common school-list supplies with prices starting at 25 cents. The company says its featured 2026 back-to-school prices remain valid from June 15 through September 14 on its back-to-school pricing announcement. This is a retail deal, not a free giveaway.

Shopping by the school's required list can help prevent a low advertised price from turning into unnecessary purchases.

Target discounts for verified members

Verified Target Circle college-student and teacher members can receive 20% off one storewide purchase through September 12. Target's 2026 offer announcement makes clear that eligibility verification is required. The offer is not available to every shopper, and it applies to one purchase.

Eligible members should complete verification and plan a combined shopping trip before the deadline.