The 5-minute guide to Tax-Free shopping in Florence: how to invest in craft, not paperwork
Tax-free shopping isn’t about "discounts"; it’s about the Italian government acknowledging that you are investing in our local culture.
Florence rewards those who look closer. Just as a discerning eye distinguishes vegetable-tanned leather from industrial replicas, a savvy traveler knows that shopping in Italy isn’t just about what you buy, but how you navigate the rewards of being a visitor.
If you are a non-EU resident—looking at you, our American, British, and Canadian friends—you hold a "shopping superpower" that is often misunderstood: the Tax-Free refund.
At Florence Factory, we believe your focus should be on the artisan’s story, not the bureaucracy. Here is everything you need to know to turn taxes into an extra piece of handcrafted jewelry.
The "Magic Threshold"
Italy has recently made it easier to bring home more for less. The minimum spend to qualify for a tax refund has dropped to €70.01. This means that almost any curated treasure in our shop—from a tuscany tailored cloth a contemporary jewelry piece—instantly qualifies you for a VAT refund, which typically sits between 11% and 15%.
We Handle the Digital, You Hold the Passport
We’ve partnered with Global Blue to make the process as seamless as possible. We don’t need your physical passport; a clear photo of it on your phone is perfect. We use the Otello system, which digitizes your tax-free form instantly. No more deciphering handwritten scrolls—everything is linked to your passport number before you even leave our shop in Via dei Neri.
The Florence Airport Advantage
For those flying out of Florence (FLR), the process is remarkably civilized. Global Blue has a dedicated office right at the airport of FLorence and Pisa. Before you check your luggage, you simply head to the Customs desk to have your digital forms scanned, then visit the Global Blue counter to finalize your refund. It’s the final "arrivederci" that actually puts money back into your pocket.
The "Layover" Logic: What happens if I fly through Paris or Munich?
This is where most travelers get confused. If you are flying from Florence with a connection in another EU city (like Frankfurt or Paris) on your way back to the States:
If your treasures are in your checked luggage: You get your customs validation and refund at Florence Airport.
If your treasures are in your carry-on: You must get your customs scan and refund at your final exit point from the EU (e.g., Charles de Gaulle or Munich Airport). Our advice? Pack your artisan finds in your checked bag. It makes your transit through Europe much lighter and the tax-free process significantly faster.
Shipping via FedEx
If you’ve fallen in love with a piece that simply won’t fit in your suitcase, we can ship it directly to your doorstep via FedEx. In many cases, when we ship directly to a non-EU address, we can deduct the VAT immediately from your invoice. You save on the tax, and your back saves on the heavy lifting.
The Insider’s Take
Tax-free shopping isn’t about "discounts"; it’s about the Italian government acknowledging that you are investing in our local culture. By choosing authentic, artisan-made goods over mass-market souvenirs, you aren't just taking home a piece of Florence—you're doing it with the smartest possible strategy.
Planning your visit? Check out our curated shop categories here
