It’s that time of the year again! We’re entering the hottest part of the year mixed with our introduction to the hurricane season, which starts June 1st! Thankfully, before we hear about any storms approaching, names of said storms, and going into “prep mode”, we are now experiencing an interesting little holiday called the “Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday”!
First off, what is this “holiday”?
The two-week holiday period begins on Saturday, May 28, 2022, and ends on Friday, June 10, 2022.
During the 2022 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, you may purchase qualifying items related to disaster preparedness which is exempt from sales tax. This means you are able to save money on items you will need for hurricane season. While Florida taxes are lower than other states, every penny counts and after shopping with the family, you’d be surprised to see how much tax contributes to the overall bill. This bit of a discount really can make a difference!
If you are unsure what items are tax-exempt, we have put together a list of what the Florida Department of Revenue is including in this sales tax holiday!
Selling for $20 or less:
- Reusable ice (ice packs)
Selling for $40 or less:
- Any portable self-powered light source* (powered by battery, solar, hand-crank or gas):
- Flashlights
- Lanterns
- Candles
Selling for $50 or less:
- Any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers
- Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, listed sizes only (excluding automobile and boat batteries):
- AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, 9-volt
- Two-way and weather band radios* (powered by battery, solar, or hand-crank) *Eligible light sources and radios qualify for the exemption even if electrical cords are included in the purchase.
Selling for $60 or less:
- Non-electric food storage coolers
- Portable power banks
NEW THIS YEAR: Selling for $70 or less:
- Smoke detectors and smoke alarms
- Fire extinguishers
- Carbon monoxide detectors
Selling for $100 or less:
- Tarpaulins (tarps) or other flexible waterproof sheeting
- Ground anchor systems
- Tie-down kits
- Bungee cords
- Ratchet straps
Selling for $1,000 or less:
- Portable generators used to provide light or communications, or to preserve food in the event of a power outage
NEW THIS YEAR: Supplies necessary for the evacuation of household pets, including:
- Cans or pouches of wet pet food selling for $2 or less per can or pouch or the equivalent if sold in a box or case
- Collapsible or travel-sized food or water bowls selling for $15 or less per item
- Manual can openers selling for $15 or less per item
- Cat litter pans selling for $15 or less
- Pet waste disposal bags selling for $15 or less per package
- Hamster or rabbit substrate selling for $15 or less per package
- Leashes, collars, and muzzles selling for $20 or less
- Pet pads selling for $20 or less per box or package
- Cat litter weighing 25 or fewer pounds and selling for $25 or less
- Bags of dry pet food weighing 15 or fewer pounds and selling for $30 or less
- Pet beds selling for $40 or less
- Portable kennels or pet carriers selling for $100 or less
Is there a limit on how much tax-exempt items you can buy during the sales tax holiday period?
- No, there is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased tax-exempt.
What types of items are not exempt?
The 2022 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday does not apply to:
- Sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport.
- Commercial purchases of eligible pet evacuation supplies.
- The rental or repair or any of the qualifying items listed above.
Does the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday also apply to items I purchase online?
- Yes. Items purchased by mail order, catalog, or online are exempt when the order is accepted by the company during the sales tax holiday period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the tax holiday period.
Who is responsible for determining which items are exempt and which aren’t?
- The 2022 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is established through the lawmaking authority of the Florida Legislature. Sales tax holiday periods, and the items exempted by the tax holiday period, must be passed into law by the Florida Legislature.
Whew, we ran through that in record time!
As we continue into June, we will start seeing more news surrounding tropical storms, named storms, hurricanes and all of that fun stuff. Always be prepared for what’s to come! Remember to keep in touch with our friendly insurance agents if you need some quick info or advice. We are here to help answer any questions you may have when it comes to all things insurance and weather! Drop us a line at service@harrisinsurance.com or call us at 850.244.2111
Check out our Severe Weather Series to expect the unexpected this summer!
- Part One: Lightning
- Part Two: Rip Currents
- Part Three: Thunderstorms & Tornadoes
- Part Four: Heat, Cold, & Wildfires
- Part Five: Tropical Storms & Hurricanes
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
