Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Leslie Hudson
If you missed the first tax-free holiday in the summer, now is the time to take advantage of the second one. Florida residents can purchase hurricane-related items tax-free during the second tax-free holiday in 2024.
During the tax holiday, Floridians can purchase everything from generators and carbon monoxide detectors to everyday household items like dishwashing detergent, all without the state’s usual 6% sales tax. Plus, there’s no limit on the number of items you can purchase.
The VAT exemptions do not apply to:
- Commercial purchases of permitted pet evacuation materials
- Sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public accommodation or airport
- The rental of one of the eligible items
The sales tax-free day for disaster preparedness began Saturday, August 24, and will run through September 6, ahead of what Florida emergency managers say is the peak of hurricane season. The peak of hurricane season is usually around September 9.
The price includes items such as batteries ($50 or less), pet supplies, generators ($3,000 or less), and flashlights ($40 or less).
The first tax-free holiday took place June 1-14 at the start of hurricane season and is part of a tax package signed into law by the Florida governor in May. This will be the last tax-free holiday this hurricane season, so don’t forget to put it on your to-do list in the next two weeks.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
