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Florida's hurricane-preparedness sales tax holiday starts Friday

By FOX 13 News Staff
Published  May 28, 2021 4:52am EDT
Hurricane Safety
FOX 13 News

What you need to know about tax-free weeks in Florida

With hurricane season around the corner, it's time to stock up on essentials.

TAMPA, Fla. - Florida’s annual sales tax holiday for hurricane supplies returns Friday, giving residents a chance to save a few bucks while preparing for what’s expected to be a busy storm season.

While the hurricane season officially starts June 1, we’ve already had one tropical storm spin up in the Atlantic. Forecasters with NOAA say this season will be active, though perhaps not as busy as last year’s record-breaking hurricane season.

State experts say all Floridians should be prepared to survive at least three days on their own after a hurricane strikes. To help everyone be ready, Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs from May 28 through June 6, 2021. A variety of items will be available tax-free.

Here’s what’s included in the sales tax holiday:

Selling for $20 or less

  • Reusable ice (ice packs)

Selling for $40 or less

Any portable self-powered light source (powered by battery, solar, hand-crank or gas):

  • Flashlights
  • Lanterns
  • Candles

Selling for $50 or less

  • Any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers
  • Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, listed sizes only (excluding automobile and boat batteries): AA and AAA, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, 9-volt
  • Two-way and weather band radios (powered by battery, solar, or hand-crank)

Selling for $60 or less

  • Coolers and ice chests (food storage, non-electrical)
  • Portable power banks

Selling for $100 or less

  • Tarpaulins (tarps)
  • Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths and other flexible waterproof sheeting
  • Ground anchor systems
  • Tie-down kits
  • Bungee cords
  • Ratchet straps

Selling for $1,000 or less

  • Portable generators used to provide light or communications or to preserve food in the event of a power outage

MORE DETAILS: Sales tax holiday FAQ from the Florida Dept. of Revenue

Other sales tax holidays this year include the back-to-school tax holiday later this summer, and the new ‘Freedom Week’ holiday, which offers savings on a variety of events and outdoor gear, runs July 1-7.

PDF: Pre-storm shopping list & FOX 13 2021 Hurricane Guide