Starting this weekend, Florida residents will have the opportunity to stock up on storm supplies at discounted prices.

During the disaster preparedness sales tax free period, consumers will not have to pay taxes on items such as batteries, pet supplies, portable generators and more from August 24 to September 6.

Retailers are hoping Florida residents will stock up as Atlantic hurricane season reaches its peak.

Scott Shalley is president of the Florida Retail Federation.

“People are overwhelmed this summer. There’s no question about that. We talk about it every time we talk about vacation. We talk about the opportunity to save money. That’s more important now than ever,” Shalley said.

Among other items, shoppers can avoid taxes on reusable ice packs valued at $20 or less, portable radios, fuel tanks and battery packs valued at $50 or less, food storage coolers valued at $60 or less, tarps valued at $100 or less and portable generators valued at $3,000 or less.

In addition, the tax exemptions apply to items such as wet dog or cat food valued at $10 or less, pet leashes valued at $20 or less, cat litter valued at $25 or less, pet beds valued at $40 or less, and over-the-counter veterinary medicines, pet carriers, and bags of dry dog ​​or cat food valued at $100 or less.

So far in 2024, five named storms and three hurricanes have developed, two of which have made landfall in the United States. However, hurricane season historically begins in mid-August and reaches its climatological peak around September 10.

Meteorologists and officials stress that it is always better to be prepared.

“The recent hurricanes have certainly helped raise awareness. They have made people realize that they need to prepare. These are not abstract things. These are things that actually affect people and we need to be prepared,” Shalley said.

The disaster preparedness tax exemption is expected to save consumers approximately $80 million in taxes, while the tool time tax credit is expected to save buyers nearly $20 million.

The tax exemption for preparedness items was first offered in 2006 after the destructive storm seasons of 2004 and 2005. Lawmakers have approved it every year since 2017. Since 2022, pet supplies and medicines have also been included in the exemption.