Disaster preparedness tax-free holiday starts Friday

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Hurricane season is fast approaching — it begins June 1 — and if you’re feeling a tad unprepared, don’t fret.

People can get a tax break on a lot of hurricane supplies starting today, May 28, through June 6. During the tax holiday, certain disaster preparedness supplies will be sold without sales tax.

“The approach of hurricane season is an excellent reminder to prepare not just for storms, but for all potential disasters,” said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. “The 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is an excellent opportunity for Floridians to save money while gathering the supplies they need to be safe.”

Items included in the tax holiday include, reusable ice packs, flashlights, lanterns, gas or diesel fuel containers, batteries, battery powered, solar or hand-crank radios, coolers, portable power banks, bungee cords, ground anchor systems, ratchet straps, tarps, tie-down kits, and portable generators capable of providing light or enough power to preserve food in the event of a power outage.

Some light sources and radios may qualify for the tax exemption even if they are sold with electrical cords.

2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday by Erin O’Brien on Scribd

The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, hotel or airport.

Take advantage of the savings this tax holiday and revamp your hurricane supply kit. Not sure what should be in your hurricane kit? CLICK HERE to see what supplies NBC2 First Alert Meteorologists recommend.

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