If you’re thinking of buying a generator or other supplies in preparation for hurricane season, mark May 31 through June 6 on your calendar. That’s when the 2019 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday gives consumers a financial incentive to stock up on everything they may need during a big storm but hope they never have to use.
During the seven-day holiday the state waives sales taxes on the following:
$10 or less
· Reusable ice (ice packs)
$20 or less
· Any portable self-powered light source
- Flashlights
- Lanterns
- Candles
$25 or less
· Any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers
$30 or less
· Batteries, including rechargeable batteries (excluding automobile and boat batteries)
- AA and AAA
- C-cell
- D-cell
- 6-volt
- 9-volt
· Coolers and ice chests
- Food storage
- Non-electrical
$50 or less
· Tarpaulins (tarps)
· Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting
· Ground anchor systems
· Tie-down kits
· Bungee cords
· Ratchet straps
· Radios (powered by battery, solar, or hand crank)
- Two-way
- Weather band
$750 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, fruit, peanut butter, and other nonperishable items
· First aid kits
· Prescription and non-prescription medications
- All RX and most over-the-counter are exempt
· Baby food and formula
Click here for more information about the 2019 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.
