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What hurricane supplies are tax free this year?

Posted at 1:13 PM, May 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-16 13:13:00-04

Starting later this month, Floridians get save big on much-needed supplies for hurricane season.

On Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis approved sales tax holidays on hurricane and back-to-school supplies.

The sales tax holiday on hurricane supplies runs from May 31 to June 6. Here are the items that are tax free:

$10 or less

  • Reusable ice (ice packs)

$20 or less

  • Any portable self-powered light source (flashlights, lanterns, candles)

$25 or less

  • Any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers

$30 or less

  • Batteries, including rechargeable batteries (excluding automobile and boat batteries)
  • AA and AAA
  • C-cell
  • D-cell
  • 6-volt
  • 9-volt
  • Coolers and ice chests (food storage, non-electrical)

$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, including two-way and weather band)

$750 or less

  • Portable generators used to provide light or communications, or to preserve food in the event of a power outage

Always exempt

  • Bottled water (unflavored, uncarbonated)
  • Canned food, including meats, vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, and other nonperishable items
  • First aid kits
  • Prescription and non-prescription medications (all RX and most over-the-counter are exempt)
  • Baby food and formula

Later this year, the sales tax holiday on school supplies will run from Aug. 2 to Aug. 6 for things like clothes, notebooks, backpacks, and shoes.