Stock Up on Disaster Preparedness Supplies June 2-4 During Florida Sales Tax Holiday

May 25, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – June marks the start of hurricane season and a time for Floridians to stock up on qualifying disaster preparedness supplies exempt from sales tax. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Florida Governor Rick Scott, the 2017 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2017 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 4, 2017.

“The 2017 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is an opportunity for Floridians to purchase supplies in preparation for a variety of storm-related activity,” said Leon Biegalski, executive director of the Florida Department of Revenue. “From powerful thunderstorms and tornados, to tropical storms and hurricanes, Florida experiences a range of potentially dangerous weather throughout summer and fall. We encourage Floridians to participate in this sales tax holiday as being proactive is in the best interest of their safety.”

The Florida Department of Revenue issued a Tax Information Publication (TIP) that addresses the 2017 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday and posted the TIP on www.floridarevenue.com. The TIP outlines qualifying items ranging from portable, self-powered light sources selling for $20 or less to portable generators selling for $750 or less. The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

Qualifying Items:

Selling for $10 or less: – Reusable ice (reusable ice packs)

Selling for $20 or less: – Any portable self-powered light source (powered by battery, solar, hand-crank, or gas): ? Flashlights ? Lanterns ? Candles

Selling for $25 or less: – Any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers

Selling for $30 or less: – Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, listed sizes only (excluding automobile and boat batteries): ? AA-cell ? C-cell ? D-cell ? 6-volt ? 9-volt – Coolers and ice chests (food-storage; nonelectrical)

Selling for $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

Selling for $750 or less: – Portable generators used to provide light or communications, or to preserve food in the event of a power outage.

First-aid kits (always exempt)

Note: Eligible light sources and radios qualify for the exemption even though they may have electrical cords.

For more information and promotional materials for the 2017 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, please visit http://www.floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep/.