2nd FL Sales Tax Holiday For Disaster Preparedness Runs Through Sept. 8

FLORIDA — Florida's second disaster preparedness sales tax holiday of 2023 kicked off Saturday, giving residents an opportunity to save money on emergency supplies like portable generators, batteries, pet food and toiletries.

Floridians can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies exempt from tax starting Aug. 26, according to the Florida Department of Revenue. The 14-day holiday ends Sept. 8.

The first sales tax holiday of 2023 took place in late May.

The disaster preparedness sales tax holiday was enacted through a tax relief plan signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in May. Earlier this year, the Florida Department of Emergency Management estimated residents would save an estimated $144 million by purchasing items during the first holiday.

“I want to thank our governor and the Florida Legislature for their commitment to making disaster preparedness affordable and accessible to all Floridians,” Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Department of Emergency Management, said in a statement. "I encourage residents to take time now to finalize their disaster supply kits and take advantage of these tax holidays in preparation for hurricane season."

Here's a look at items that will be exempt from sales tax during the holiday:

A full list of eligible tax-free items is available here. Floridians can find a full disaster supply kit checklist here.

The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items, according to state officials. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.