Hurricane season begins Saturday, June 1st. It is a phrase that can cause dread for some Southwest Floridians. Many are still trying to get back on their feet from Hurricane Ian, two seasons ago. To help you get prepared, these hurricane supplies are tax free in Florida beginning this weekend.
State lawmakers passed two Disaster Preparedness sales tax holidays giving Floridians a break when stocking up on some basic supplies. The list of items that are about to be tax free is pretty extensive and may include things you don’t typically think about when it comes to hurricane supplies.
What Hurricane Supplies Are Tax Free
I love that lawmakers not only consider things you might need for your personal safety during and immediately following a storm like flashlights and tarps. In addition, they consider things you might need if you are forced to evacuate with a beloved pet.
You can’t exactly go on a crazy shopping spree as there are limits on spending in each category. However, you CAN be strategic and shop a little each day to get the maximum in sales tax savings.
If you have questions about what is exempt or if for some reason a store did not honor a tax-free purchase, click here to get more info.
In addition, a second, similar tax-free holiday for hurricane supplies happens later in the season, August 24th, just before activity tends to ramp up. it runs through September 6th.
In the meantime, here are a few items to stock up on beginning Saturday, June 1st. Make your list and get your disaster kit ready. Officials are predicting the 2024 season is going to be an active and strong one so be prepared and have a plan, just in case.
These hurricane supplies are tax free from June 1st through Friday, June 14th.
Generators
Generators can be life savers, literally, in the days and weeks following a major storm. They help preserve food if the power goes out, help supply oxygen and other vital services. The sales tax is waved on generators costing up to $3000. Over that, you’ll need to pay.
Lighting
This covers lighting as far as flashlights, lanterns and candles. These light sources can be powered by solar, by battery or gas and must be $40 and under to qualify.
Batteries And Power Packs
When power goes out, batteries are essential for flashlights, radios and more. The sales tax is waved on AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6- volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, with a sales price of $50 or less. It’s a good time to grab a power pack or power bank at $60 or less.
Radios
Radios were crucial for communication and information following Hurricane Ian. Tax is waved on portable radios, two-way radios and weather-band radios. This does not mean you get to buy a new sound system tax free. Limits are $50 or less.
Household Supplies
One of the things we learned from Hurricane Ian is the need for a few basic supplies such as bleach and laundry detergents. Also included in this section are items such as paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, soap, disinfectant, sanitizer, and sunscreen.
Tarps And Kits
Tarps and similar waterproof sheeting is included. The price cap for these items is $100. In addition, sales tax is waved on items typically sold with tarps such as ground anchor or tie-down kits costing $100 or less.
Food Storage
This includes coolers that are $60 and under as well as those reusable ice packs that come in at $20 or less. Experts advise keeping them on hand and full of ice when a storm is approaching.
Pet Supplies
This includes items you might need when evacuating with a pet. The list includes such thing as portable kennels or pet carries ($100 or less), pet beds ($40 or less), pet medications ($100 or less). In addition, you’ll be able to purchase items such as leashes, collars, waste disposal bags, food and more, all with price caps.
Home Safety Items
This list includes items such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors all costing $70 or less. House fires a are common after the power gets reconnected.
