Florida’s Hurricane Sales Tax Free Holiday Starts May 31

Hurricane season, which starts on June 1st, is fast approaching to the dismay of Florida homeowners. our insurance agency consider those 6 weeks to be one of the more turbulent times of the year. The good news this year is that Florida lawmakers approved a tax holiday that will overlap with the start of hurricane season.

If you have yet to hear about this “ tax holiday,” here’s what you should know.

The Sales Tax Free Holiday Starts May 31st

At the end of the legislative season, Florida lawmakers approved a $121 million tax break package. They also approved a tax holiday that remains in effect through the start of the hurricane season this year. This means that many of the important supplies that are recommended when preparing for a hurricane won’t be subject to a sales tax.

Do you need to buy a new generator? How’s your supply of batteries or tarps? Even with comprehensive home insurance and a great flood insurance policy, you don’t want to be unprepared during this time of year.

If you have them thinking about stocking up on these types of supplies for this year’s hurricane season, then this is great news. From May 31st until midnight on June 6th, you won’t have to pay a sales tax when purchasing any of these items. This tax-free holiday is only going to last for a week, so don’t miss out on this opportunity.

Which Hurricane Supplies Will Be Included?

Here is a comprehensive list of the various hurricane supplies that are included in this sales tax free holiday:

• Flashlights and other portable self-powered light sources (as long as they cost $20 or less)
• Portable self-powered radios like two-way and weather-band radios ($50 or less)
• Gas or diesel fuel tanks ($25 or less)
• Waterproof sheets like tarps, plus ties and ground anchors ($50 or less)
• Batteries including AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt and 9-volt batteries ($30 or less)
• Note that sales tax will still be applied for car and boat batteries during this tax holiday
• Portable generators ($750 or less)
• Non-electric coolers ($30 or less)
• Reusable ice ($10 or less)

Conclusion

With the amount storms we have seen threatening the Tampa Bay area over the last few years, it’s nice to see that this type of tax break was approved. Additionally, Florida lawmakers have approved a back to school sales tax holiday which will be in effect in early August. If you are a parent, then you’ll be happy to know that there will be no sales tax for the purchase of important items like computers, new shoes, clothes and other various school supplies.

Have questions about your insurance that you’d like answered BEFORE hurricane season? Speak to one of our insurance experts by calling (813) 685-9393.