Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law Wednesday that will provide Floridians with a tax-free period for disaster preparedness sales in light of the impending hurricane season.
House Bill 7123 was signed during the annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference in West Palm Beach. The law provides approximately $121 million in tax relief for families and businesses across the state.
The tax-free period will occur from May 31 to June 6 of this year. Tax-free items will include flashlights and lanterns costing $20 or less; radios and tarps costing $50 or less; coolers and batteries costing $30 or less; and generators costing $750 or less, according to the law.
Hurricane season in Florida begins June 1 and lasts until November 30. The Alachua County Emergency Management website suggests each individual should have enough supplies for 72 to 96 hours. Disaster supply kit suggestions include water, food, basic first-aid supplies, clothing and bedding.
Thomas Dunnum, assistant manager of Rural King located at 2801 NW 13th St., said he expects this hurricane shopping season to be similar to those in the past.
“People come in about two to three days before [a major storm],” said Dunnum. “Year before last, we were wiped out.”
The law also supports a back-to-school sales tax holiday from Aug. 2 to Aug. 6 for school supplies.
Florida Gov. Ron Desantis speaks about the environment to a crowd of about 50 people April 16 at the Steinmetz Hall courtyard.
