ORLANDO, Fla. – The Atlantic Hurricane Season starts June 1, and now is a good time to check your hurricane kit supplies and make a list of what you need to replace or add to it ahead of the state’s sales tax holiday.
From June 1-14, shoppers in Florida can buy batteries, coolers, flashlights, weather radios, generators and pet supplies and pay no sales taxes.
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Items can be purchased at most stores or online to qualify for the sales tax exemption.
Before going shopping, you should check the expiration dates on your hurricane supplies, including:
- Food
- Baby Formula
- Pet food
- Water
- Batteries (including batteries inside devices, make sure they are OK)
- Medication (including pet medication)
You should also check flashlights and lanterns to make sure any bulbs are still working.
Learn what else you should do and buy to maintain your hurricane kit HERE.
The following products are exempt from sales taxes from June 1-14:
Sales price of $10 or less per can or pouch:
- Wet cat or dog food
Sales price of $15 or less:
- Cat litter pans
- Collapsible or travel-size food or water bowls
- Hamster or rabbit substrate
- Manual can openers
- Pet waste disposal bags
Sales price of $20 or less:
- Reusable ice (including ice packs)
- Pet collars, leashes or muzzles
- Pet pads
Sales price of $25 or less
- Cat litter weighing 25 lbs. or less
Sales price of $40 or less:
- Any portable, self-powered light source (powered by battery, solar, hand crank or gas):
- Candles
- Flashlights
- Lanterns
- Pet beds
Sales price of $50 or less:
- Fuel containers, including kerosene or diesel containers
- Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, in the following sizes: AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt
- Two-way or weather band portable radios (powered by battery, solar or hand crank)
Sales price of $60 or less:
- Coolers and ice chests (nonelectrical)
- Portable power banks
Sales price of $70 or less:
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke detectors or smoke alarms
Sales price of $100 or less:
- Bungee cords
- Ground anchor systems
- Ratchet straps
- Tarpaulins
- Tie-down kits
- Plastic sheeting or drop cloths and other flexible waterproof sheeting
- Bags of dry cat or dog food weighing 50 lbs. or less
- Pet carriers
- Portable kennels
- Over-the-counter pet medications
Sales price of $3,000 or less:
- Portable generators in the event of a power outage
Have questions? There is a tip sheet on the Florida Department of Revenue’s website.
A second sales tax holiday will also run between Aug. 24 and Sept. 6.
For more tips to plan and prepare for storm season, visit ClickOrlando.com/Hurricane.
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