Florida Sales Tax Holiday Runs From Friday Through Sunday

MIAMI, FL — Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced a tax holiday this weekend to help Sunshine State residents prepare for the 2017 hurricane season that began on Thursday. Speaking at the National Hurricane Center, the governor said that the sales tax holiday runs from June 2 to June 4. It is intended to help Floridians save money as they stock up on hurricane supplies.

“Last year our state was impacted by two hurricanes for the first time in over a decade and luckily, we did not see damage like many of our neighboring states," Scott explained. "Last week, I was proud to sign a tax cut package that includes a disaster preparedness sales tax holiday so families and businesses have additional opportunities to get the supplies they need to be prepared. With the 2017 hurricane season beginning today, I encourage all Floridians to take advantage of this weekend’s disaster preparedness sales tax holiday and ensure your family is safe.” Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Patch.)

Scott signed the disaster preparedness tax cut holiday into law on May 25. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The season represents the time hurricanes are most likely to form in the Atlantic Ocean.

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The governor was joined by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, who reminded Floridians to download the FEMA app and make sure their flood insurance policy is up to date while visiting the website ready.gov for tips on hurricane preparations.

“It only takes one hurricane to change your life. If you — or a close family member — live in an area prone to hurricanes or inland flooding, now is the time to prepare," said Kelly. "

The following are purchases that qualify for Florida's disaster preparedness sales tax holiday:

• Batteries (AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries) costing $30 or less
• Nonelectric coolers for $30 or less
• Reusable ice $10 or less
• Portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or weather band radio for $50 or less
• Tarpaulin or flexible waterproof sheeting for $50 or less
• First-aid kits (always exempt)
• Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits for $50 or less
• Gas or diesel fuel tanks for $25 or less
• Portable generators for $750 or less

For more information, visit floridarevenue.com

Officials urged Floridians to develop a plan centered on self-sufficiency for the first 72 hours following a disaster. This will allow emergency responders to be able to focus on restoring essential services and helping vulnerable populations.

Families, businesses and individuals with special needs can design a personalized emergency plan at FLGetAPlan.com to prepare for hurricanes or other disasters. The Florida Division of Emergency’sManagement’s website, www.FloridaDisaster.org, also provides critical tips for disaster preparedness, such as local evacuation zones and basic information to ensure you are fully prepared for the 2017 hurricane season.

“The 2017 hurricane season is upon us and division staff has been working hard to make sure Floridians are ready," explained Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon. "It’s never too early to begin preparing your business or family for a potential hurricane impact. Now is the right time, and the governor’s tax holiday gives folks the opportunity to stock up on any helpful items still missing from their disaster supply kits.”

Major Gen. Michael Calhoun, Adjutant General of Florida, said, that the Florida National Guard is also ready to assist Floridians if needed.

“This past year, your Florida National Guard gained valuable experience responding to Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, the first hurricanes to make landfall in this state since Wilma," he said. "I can assure you, and all the citizens of our great state, that we have only continued to build on the mission-focused teamwork that our state agencies and first responders demonstrated last year."

Watch below as Gov. Scott speaks about the start of hurricane season in Florida:

Photo and video courtesy of state of Florida