It makes ‘cents’ to save while you stock up for hurricane season
Hurricane season is upon us, and it’s time to get prepared.
The forecasts predict we’re going to have a busy storm season. Colorado State University’s annual prediction calls for an above-average season, with 19 named storms and four major hurricanes. Florida’s own WeatherTiger considers the many factors that will contribute to this year’s activity, including a persistent La Niña and warmer water temperatures in the Atlantic.
The best and most important thing we can do is to get prepared. Now is the time to stock up on tax-free purchases. Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday allows Floridians to save on dozens of items that can help them weather the storms that come our way.
The Florida Legislature passed House Bill 7071 this year, and it was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. It extends the annual Disaster Preparedness Tax-Free Holiday, usually a week long, to 14 days beginning Memorial Day Weekend and lasting through Friday, June 10.
With Americans struggling with rising costs due to inflation. I am grateful our lawmakers worked to provide broadbased tax savings for consumers on essential items.
Take advantage of the opportunity. Start by making a plan. Go to Florida’s official emergency management guide at GetAPlan.org. There, you can find itemized lists to help you stock up on essentials you may need in the event of an emergency.
You can find a list of items that are tax-free from May 28 through June 10 at FRF.org. Just a few of the sales-tax free items include portable generators selling for $1,000 or less, packages of certain battery types selling for $50 or less, tarps selling for $100 or less, coolers selling for $60 or less and fire extinguishers selling for $70 or less. Even pet items such as food, kennels, leashes and cat litter are part of the sales-tax holiday.
Remember when you stock up to support Florida retail stores. Florida is home to more than 274,000 retailers. More than 2.7 million Floridians work in the industry, which is responsible for one out of every five jobs in Florida. The retail industry in Florida pays $49 billion in annual wages and contributes $155 billion to the economy each year.
When you choose to “Find It In Florida” and shop local, you’re supporting your neighbors and your community.
Looking ahead this summer, there will be more opportunities to save when you stock up and support Florida retail stores. HB 7071 also renewed Freedom Week (July 1-7), a sales-tax holiday to save on tickets to concerts, movies, sporting events and more, as well as recreational, camping and fishing supplies. And the annual back-to-school sales-tax holiday (July 25-Aug. 7) gives parents an opportunity to save on school supplies and essentials.
Don’t miss out on our first chance to save: Disaster Preparedness Tax-Free Holiday, May 28 through June 10. Stock up for the season and support our local retailers.