It’s time for hurricane prep, sales tax breaks

Community By Alexandra Herrera, Reporter Friday, May 17, 2024

     Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. 

     When a storm is approaching, remember to top up on cash, gas and gas: Cash since card readers may not work after a storm, gasoline for your auto and propane gas for your grill.

     Go to FloridaDisaster.Org to get a checklist for your kit.

     The state will offer two periods to stock up on hurricane supplies. From June 1 to June 14, there is no sales tax on:

--Flashlights and lanterns under $40;

--Reusable ice under $20; --Radios costing $50 or less; 

--Tarps and ground anchors or tie down kits under $100; 

--Coolers and portable power banks, $60 or less; 

Batteries and fuel tanks under $50; 

--Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors costing $70 or less and generators under $3,000. 

--Also, items relating to the safe evacuation of household pets.  

     There will be a second sales tax holiday later in the storm season to purchase hurricane preparation supplies, from Aug. 24 - Sept. 6.