Disaster preparedness tax holiday starts today

Hurricane season starts June 1st, but there is good news… starting today Floridians can purchase hurricane supplies without paying sales tax.

From May 29th through Thursday, June 4th, Florida residents can buy items ranging from flashlights and tarps to generators, without paying state or county sales tax. The sales tax holiday applies to both brick and mortar businesses, along with internet and mail-order businesses that collect sales taxes in Florida. It does not include sales at theme parks, entertainment complexes, hotels or airports. 

Some of the items exempt from taxes include:

• Ice packs
• Portable light sources (candles, flashlights and lanterns)
• Fuel containers
• Coolers and ice chests
• Batteries (excluding automobile and boat batteries)
• Bungee cords
• Ground anchor systems
• Radios
• Ratchet straps
• Tarps
• Tie-down kits
• Plastic drop cloths and other waterproof plastic sheeting
• Portable generators

For more details go to the Florida Dept. of Revenue website.