If you need hurricane supplies or want to refresh your existing preparedness kits, prepare for some financial savings.
The once-a-year, two-week sales tax holiday, which aims to relieve the financial strain of purchasing essential items ahead of hurricane season, has been made permanent.
Thanks to lawmakers during the 2025-26 Florida legislative season, the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday has become a year-round event.
The permanent sales tax holiday will take effect on Friday, Aug. 1.
This will permanently eliminate the sales tax on sure batteries, fuel tanks, portable generators, tarps, ground anchors, and tie-down kits. Bottled water, first aid kits, and many food items purchased at the grocery store are already tax-free.
Other items that will become sales tax-free include:
Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt)
Portable generators (capable of producing 10,000 running watts or less)
Waterproof tarps (1,000 square feet or less)
Portable gas cans (gas or diesel, 5-gallon capacity or less)
Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
Smoke detectors or smoke alarms (electrical or battery-operated)
Carbon monoxide detectors
Life jackets
Sunscreen (excludes cosmetics or other products that are not primarily intended to absorb, reflect, or scatter ultraviolet radiation
Insect repellent
The WINK News Hurricane Guide contains a complete list of what you should have in a hurricane preparedness kit. You can download a copy below or pick one up at a location here.
