Reminder: Sales Tax Holiday Set As Hurricane Season Arrives

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Floridians who haven’t prepared for the June 1 start of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season may find an upcoming tax holiday of interest. Gov. Rick Scott recently signed legislation that sets June 2-4 as Florida’s 2017 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

Although the timing arrives one day after hurricane season’s official start, the state is hoping folks will take advantage of the savings to bolster their emergency kits for any type of disaster that might strike as the year progresses. While non-perishable food items and water are not included, the sales tax break covers some of the bigger-ticket items folks need to prepare.

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According to the Florida Department of Revenue, some of the items that qualify for a tax break at the checkout counter include:

• Reusable ice packs that sell for $10 or less
• Portable flashlights, lanterns and candles that sell for $20 or less
• Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, that sell for $30 or less. Batteries must be AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt or 9- volt to qualify
• Coolers and ice chests that sell for $30 or less
• Tarps, plastic sheeting, tie-downs, bungee cords, two-way or weather band radios and ground anchor systems that sell for $50 or less
• Portable generators that sell for $750 or less
• First-aid kits, which are always exempt

The break from sales taxes takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 2. It ends at 11:59 p.m. on June 4. To find out more, visit the Florida Department of Revenue online.

NOAA forecasters anticipate the 2017 season will produce 11 to 17 tropical storms. That number includes the pre-season Arlene that developed and fizzled out in April. Of the 11 to 17 tropical storms, about five to nine of them are expected to become hurricanes, Ben Friedman, NOAA’s acting administrator said Thursday. Two to four major hurricanes with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph are anticipated, as well.

“There is a potential for a lot of Atlantic storm activity this year,” Friedman said.

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30. NOAA’s forecasters say there is a 45 percent chance that this season’s activity levels will be above-normal with a 35 percent chance for a near-normal season. Forecasters say there’s only a 20 percent chance for the upcoming season to produce a below-normal number of storms.

Residents readying for the upcoming season can get tips and advice on the federal government’s Ready.gov website.

Graphic showing Hurricane Andrew's trek courtesy of NOAA