JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season began Saturday, and to help Floridians prepare, the first Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday also kicked off.
Forecasters are predicting a hyperactive hurricane season and for that reason, state officials advise people to prepare early.
With the sales tax holiday, Floridians can stock up on hurricane supplies and not have to pay sales tax, ensuring some much-needed savings.
“To try to make it easy for customers, we put up some placards and the price that qualifies for tax-free,” Home Depot Manager Sammy Colon said.
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The store manager at the Orange Park location told News4JAX that some of the items that qualify as tax-free for the Disaster Preparedness holiday are going quickly, but most items are still in stock.
However, that changes when a storm is on its way, and the shelves are empty.
“So my tarps will be completely empty. My flashlights will be completely empty. My batteries [are] getting liquidated really quick,” Colon said.
Eligible items include reusable ice, lanterns, flashlights, portable self-powered radios, two-way radios or weather-band radios, gas or diesel fuel tanks, batteries of multiple sizes (including rechargeable), nonelectric food storage coolers, smoke detectors or smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, tarps, waterproof sheeting, etc.
READ | Full list from the Florida Department of Revenue of items eligible for the sales tax holiday
People can also save on items for pets including portable pet kennels or pet carriers, dry dog or cat food weighing 50 or fewer pounds, over-the-counter pet medications $100 or less., etc. Be advised, there is a maximum price for all items to be eligible.
Generators selling for $3,000 or less also qualify for the sales tax exemption.
“Typically on a generator, you’re paying an extra 60-70 bucks in tax, you can save that money today and have it ready to go in case of anything. No one wants to go through the rush of trying to see ‘Do they have a generator?’ ‘Do they not have a generator?’ ‘Do they have a gas can?’ ‘Do they not?’”Colon said.
MORE | Florida’s month-long Freedom Summer sales tax holiday starts July 1
Federal forecasters are predicting as many as 25 named storms this hurricane season.
“We always do the same thing. I think we create more of an accident on the street when we’re rushing at the last minute. Not only that but the financial hurt that a lot of customers go through, you know, when you’re not prepared. Now you’re taking rent money, mortgage money, car payment money, in order to try to get everything,” Colon said.
This tax-free holiday lasts through June 14. A second exemption period will begin on Saturday, Aug. 24, and extend through Friday, Sept. 6.
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