TAMPA, Fla. — Florida's annual hurricane sales tax holiday is coming back this year to help you save money on supplies. It will run from May 28 through June 6.
The 10-day period is officially called the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. It's in place to encourage Floridians to stock up on critical needs before a hurricane or a tropical storm comes our way.
"We have all been so focused on the pandemic, that it can be easy to forget that hurricane season is right around the corner," said State Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Miami). "This bill incentivizes advanced planning with tax breaks on key supplies families and businesses need for disaster preparedness."
Here's a look at some of the items you'll be able to purchase without paying sales tax:
- Reusable ice packs ($10 or less)
- Candles, flashlights and lanterns ($20 or less)
- Gas or diesel fuel containers ($25 or less)
- Batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries ($30 or less)
- Radios powered by battery, solar, or handcrank
- Tarps
- Tie-down kits
- Portable generators ($750 or less)
The Florida Department of Revenue notes that the sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. It also does not apply to sales in theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, or airports.
“The approach of hurricane season is an excellent reminder to prepare not just for storms, but for all potential disasters,” said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. “The 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is an excellent opportunity for Floridians to save money while gathering the supplies they need to be safe.”
This is one of three sales tax holidays in Florida this year. The new Freedom Week will run July 1-7 and will discount thing like boating, camping and fishing supplies. The back-to-school sales tax holiday will start July 31 and run through Aug. 9.
Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30.
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