Florida Division of Emergency Management encouraging Floridians to buy disaster preparedness items during sales tax holiday from June 1 through June 14

Second tax holiday planned from Aug. 24 through Sept. 6

These are examples of Hurricane Ian destruction shown in Sarasota County’s Action Plan for the Resilient SRQ program. Image courtesy Sarasota County

Leaders of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) are encouraging Floridians to purchase disaster preparedness items during the first of Florida’s two, 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays, the agency has announced.

The first holiday will begin June 1 and continue through June 14, a news release points out. A second, two-week disaster sales tax holiday will take place from Aug. 24 through Sept. 6, the release adds.

“I urge all residents to prioritize preparedness during these tax-free holidays and make any necessary updates to their disaster supply kit and plans,” FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said in the release.

“Disaster can strike at any time,” Jim Zingale, executive director of the Florida Department of Revenue, added in the release. “Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and fires are frequent threats to people and property,” he continued in the release. “The beginning of hurricane season is a good time for Floridians to gather supplies they would need to stay safe during and after a disaster,” Zingale added. “I encourage consumers to learn about the 2024 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday at FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep and save money on essentials to keep their families, homes and pets safe.”

Image courtesy Florida Division of Emergency Management

House Bill 7073 was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis “to provide much-needed financial relief for families to prepare for hurricane season,” the release notes. “This year, Floridians are expected to save millions on vital disaster preparedness supplies such as pet supplies, tarps, batteries, generators and flashlights, which are all included in the list of items eligible to be purchased tax-free,” the release says.

The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. A full list of eligible tax-free items is available here. Floridians can find a full disaster supply kit checklist here.

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