TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Today, House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) encouraged Floridians to stock up on disaster preparedness supplies during the upcoming sales tax holiday.
“Florida’s unique geography makes us especially vulnerable to the effects of hurricanes and flooding events,” said Speaker Renner. “As we approach hurricane season, now is the time to prepare. Don’t forget to include food and medication for your furry friends on your supply list!”
The first of two 14-day sales tax holidays begins tomorrow, May 27 and runs through June 9. Eligible items include:
- Disaster preparedness supplies (flashlights, radios, batteries, coolers, etc.)
- Generators priced $3,000 or less
- Carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers
- Over-the-counter pet medication priced $100 or less and common household consumables priced $30 or less
Governor DeSantis expects Floridians to save an estimated $144 million on the purchase of tax-free items – more than five times the amount of savings compared to the $25.6 million Floridians saved during the 2022 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.
House Bill 7063, the largest tax relief plan in Florida’s history, was signed into law by Governor DeSantis this week and extends the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from a single 14-day holiday to two separate 14-day holidays. This year, common household supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels and soap are also eligible to be purchased tax-free.
The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. A full list of eligible tax-free items is available here. Floridians can find a full disaster supply kit checklist here.
For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Division on Instagram @FLSERT, Facebook and Twitter.
