Florida residents can save money as they prepare for the imminent hurricane season with a sales tax free holiday from May 31 to midnight June 6. Hurricane season in Florida is generally defined as the six months from June 1 through Nov. 30.
When Hurricane Michael hit last October, many were unprepared for the devastation wrought by the Category 5 storm. The hurricane brought 160-mph winds and a 14-foot storm surge, causing $25 billion in damage and killing 16 people.
For those who need to stock up on disaster supplies, the week-long exemption on sales taxes on hurricane supplies includes:
- Portable self-powered light sources, like flashlights, selling for $20 or less
- Portable self-powered radios, including two-way radios or weather-band radios, selling for $50 or less
- Tarps, other waterproof sheets, ground anchors or ties, also for $50 or less
- Gas or diesel fuel tanks that are sold for $25 or less
- AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt or 9-volt batteries sold for $30 or less (car and boat batteries are excluded)
- Non-electric coolers up to $30
- Portable generators sold for $750 or less
- Reusable ice sold for $10 or less