The start of the Atlantic hurricane season has arrived, and Florida is continually at risk for hurricane or tropical storm damage.
- Atlantic hurricane season starts Thursday, June 1
- FULL COVERAGE: Storm Season 2017: Hurricane guides, interactive maps, supply kit information
- READ: Qualifying purchases, rules for 2017 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday (.pdf)
The state of Florida is helping residents purchase hurricane supplies with a storm season sales tax holiday, which ends tonight. Stores across the state are participating.
“We have a large amount of flashlights a lot are going towards LED so your batteries will last longer,” Cocoa Beach Ace Hardware manager Stephen Nichols explained.
His store supplies a lot of the equipment you may need during a severe storm, and while Hurricane Season just started, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stock up now.
“As far as being prepared, without power and possible leakage I would say stock up on batteries, flashlights, if you can. Generators, extension cords, things like that,” Nichols said.
This weekend you’ll be able to get a lot of these products at a discount.
- Selling for $10 or less: Reusable ice packs
- Selling for $20 or less: Any portable self-powered light source, such as flashlights, lanterns or candles
- Selling for $25 or less: Gas or diesel fuel containers
- Selling for $30 or less: Batteries, including rechargeable Batteries
- Selling for $50 or less: Tarps, radios, tie-down kits, bungee cords, ratchet straps
- Selling for $750 or less: Portable generators
- First Aid Kits are always tax exempt in Florida
Businesses like Nichols' say many people don’t stock up early enough, and they hope tax-free weekends like this will better help people plan.
“With how unprepared a lot of people were for Matthew, I really hope that a lot more people will prepare. You never know when it’ll be that big one or how close it will hit. it’s going to save you a lot of time, and that piece of mind is nice,” Nichols said.
The sales tax holiday weekend runs from Friday through Sunday evening, while Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
For forms and other information, visit website at www.floridarevenue.com or call Taxpayer Services at 800-352-3671, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).