FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – Hurricane season starts next week and Floridians can prepare for the season without paying sales taxes on certain purchases through Sunday, June 6.
The 10-day “sales tax holiday” is expected to save shoppers about $10.5 million in state and local sales taxes on designated supplies, including flashlights and lanterns, radios, tarps, batteries and generators, reusable ice packs and non-electric food coolers and other items up to certain dollar limits.
Here are the top must-haves for hurricane season:
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 2 weeks
- Food storage: At least enough for 3 to 7 days
- Waterproof containers: For storing important documents
- Light and communication: Make sure to have a battery-operated radio, flashlight, clock or wind-up clock
MORE ONLINE: Full list of tax-free item | More ways to plan & prepare for the season
In recent years, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Matthew showed how top-selling items like rope, gas cans, tub stoppers, charcoal and extension cords were in demand, even though most of the time these items don’t always come to mind.
News4Jax has partnered with neighborhood ACE Hardware locations to get you and your family ready, where you can Build a Kit that Fits so you’re ready for whatever comes our way.
During the month of June, you can save 20% on those items on our list at your local ACE plus more savings thru June 6 with the tax-free holiday.
Authorizing tax holidays has become an annual legislative rite that gives tax relief to consumers. The tax holidays will save Floridians some $168 million in savings.
In late July and early August, Floridians won’t have to pay sales taxes for school supplies, some clothing and the first $1,000 for a computer.
New to the “tax holiday” lineup is a “Freedom Week” during the first week of July on recreational purchases, as well as for purchasing tickets for concerts, athletic events and museums.