Two-week tax-free holiday for disaster-related supplies begins this weekend!

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

To bolster disaster preparedness and relief efforts during the peak of the 2023 Hurricane Season, Florida residents will receive a second tax-free holiday on disaster-related supplies from Saturday, August 26, 2023, through Friday, September 8, 2023. This initiative, established through House Bill 7063 from the 2023 regular legislative session, aims to provide financial relief to citizens gearing up for potential emergencies.

The tax-free holiday covers a wide range of essential items, including the following:

Sales Price of $20 or less: 

• Reusable ice (reusable ice packs) 

Sales Price of $40 or less:

• Any portable, self-powered light source* (powered by battery, solar, hand-crank, or gas)
• Candles
• Flashlights
• Lanterns 

Sales Price of $50 or less: 

• Any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers 
• Portable Radios* (powered by battery, solar, or hand-crank) 

• Two-way

• Weather Band

• Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, listed sizes only (excluding automobile and boat batteries)

• AAA-cell 

• AA-cell 

• C-cell 

• D-cell 

• 6-volt 

• 9-volt 

Sales Price of $60 or less:

• Coolers and ice chests (food storage; nonelectrical)
• Portable power banks 

Sales Price of $70 or less:

• Carbon monoxide detectors 
• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke detectors or smoke alarms 

Sales Price of $100 or less:

• Bungee cords
• Ground anchor systems
• Ratchet straps 
• Tarpaulins (tarps)
• Tie-down kits
• Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting 

Sales Price of $3,000 or less: 

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

*Eligible light sources and radios qualify even if there is an electrical cord.

New for the 2023 Hurricane Season's tax-fee holiday are Common Household Consumable items, sales prices of $30 or less: 

• Laundry detergent and supplies 
• Powder, liquid, or pod detergents
• Fabric softener
• Dryer sheets
• Stain removers
• Bleach Other household supplies
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Paper napkins and tissues
• Facial tissues
• Hand soap, bar soap, and body wash
• Sunscreen and sunblock
• Dish soap and detergents, including powder, liquid, and pod detergents or rinse agents for use in dishwashers
• Cleaning or disinfecting wipes and sprays
• Hand sanitizer
• Trash bags  

Eligible Pet Evacuation Supplies Sales Price of $10 or less per can or pouch (or the equivalent if sold in a box or case): 

• Wet pet food 

Sales Price of $15 or less per item or package:

• Cat litter pans
• Collapsible or travel-sized food or water bowls
• Hamster or rabbit substrate
• Manual can openers
• Pet waste disposal bags 

Sales Price of $20 or less per item or package:

• Collars
• Muzzles
• Leashes
• Pet pads 

Sales Price of $25 or less per item: 

• Cat litter weighing 25 lbs. or less

Sales Price of $40 or less per item: 

• Pet beds 

Sales price of $100 or less per item:

• Bags of dry cat or dog food weighing 50 lbs. or less
• Pet carriers
• Portable kennels
• Over-the-counter pet medications 

*The tax holiday does not cover sales within theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, or airports. 

It's important to note that there is no limit on the number of qualifying items during the designated tax-free period. However, exclusions may apply. Moreover, commercial purchases of eligible pet evacuation supplies and the rental or repair of qualifying items are ineligible for the exemption. Purchases made through mail order, catalogs, or online platforms are also eligible for the tax exemption, provided orders are accepted by the company during the tax holiday, even if the delivery is after the holiday period.

For further clarifications or inquiries about items not listed in the official publication, individuals can contact the Florida Department of Revenue at (850) 488-6800.