Tax-Exempt Status for Year-Round Hurricane Preparedness Kits

TAMPA, Fla. — As Florida’s new state budget takes effect today, it notably omits a sales tax holiday for hurricane supply kit items. In its place, Governor Ron DeSantis has enacted a permanent, year-round exemption from sales tax for essential hurricane supplies.

Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay highlights that last season, many residents overlooked crucial items such as batteries and cell phone power banks, leading to significant challenges in post-storm recovery. “One of the things that we noticed is the lack of communication by many of the homeowners, because they ran out of batteries in their cell phones,” explained Jose Garcia, CEO of Rebuilding Together Greater Florida. “This year, we are emphasizing the need for additional external batteries so that residents can recharge their phones and stay connected, especially after losing power.”

The organization is currently assisting hundreds of families still repairing their homes from last year’s hurricanes, Helene and Milton. In addition, they are working to stockpile vital supply kit items, which will be distributed to areas affected by any future storms this year.

Essential supplies, such as batteries, flashlights, and a means of charging cell phones for a minimum of two days, are critical for those who choose to weather a storm at home. Last fall, millions lost power during hurricanes, and the establishment of relief sites took 2-3 days, further stressing the importance of being prepared in advance.

Florida has declared the following items to be tax-exempt year-round to aid residents in preparing for storms or other emergencies:

AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries

Smoke detection devices

Carbon monoxide alarms

Fire extinguishers

Portable generators

Waterproof tarps and flexible waterproof sheeting (1,000 square feet or less)

Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits

Portable gas or diesel fuel cans (5 gallons or less)

Life jackets

Bicycle helmets

Sunscreen