TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and now is the time to start preparing.
Florida’s disaster preparedness sales tax holiday went into effect on Friday. So if you need to stock up on supplies and want to save a little bit of money, your best time to shop is now through June 6.
During this year’s sales tax holiday, the state says the following items are exempt from sales tax:
Selling for $20 or less:
- Reusable ice (reusable ice packs)
Selling for $40 or less:
- Any portable self-powered light source
- Candles
- Flashlights
- Lanterns
Selling for $50 or less:
- Any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers
- Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, only these sizes:
- AAA-cell
- AA-cell
- C-cell
- D-cell
- 6-volt
- 9-volt
- Radios (powered by battery, solar or hand-crank)
- Two-way
- Weather band
Selling for $60 or less:
- Coolers and ice chests (food storage, non-electrical)
- Portable power bank
Selling for $100 or less:
- Bungee cords
- Ground anchor systems
- Ratchet straps
- Tarpaulins (tarps)
- Tie-down kits
- Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths and other flexible waterproof sheeting
Selling for $1,000 or less:
- Portable generators used to provide light or communications or to preserve food in the event of a power outage
Always exempt:
- Bottled water (unflavored, uncarbonated)
- Canned food including meats, vegetables, fruits, peanut butter and other nonperishable items
- First aid kits
- Prescription and nonprescription medications (all Rx and most over-the-counter are exempt)
- Baby food and formulas
- Feminine hygiene products
You can learn more about the sales tax holiday on the Florida Department of Revenue website.
Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. NOAA has predicted another season with above-average activity.
