A nine-day sales tax holiday on items like flashlights, batteries and weather radios is set to begin Saturday at retailers across Florida.
The tax holiday was signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott during this year's legislative session. State emergency management officials are asking residents to take the opportunity to purchase supplies needed to build an emergency supply kit.
The specific items included as part of the sales tax holiday include:
- Portable self-powered light sources selling for $20 or less
- Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, or weather band radios selling for $50 or less
- Tarps or other flexible waterproof sheeting selling for $50 or less
- Self-contained first-aid kits selling for $30 or less
- Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits selling for $50 or less
- Gas or diesel fuel tanks selling for $25 or less
- Packages of AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, selling for $30 or less
- Nonelectric food storage coolers and ice chests selling for $30 or less
- Portable generators used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage selling for $750 or less
- Reusable ice selling for $10 or less
In a release, the Florida Department of Health suggests the following items to be included in a household emergency supply kit:
- At least one gallon of water per person, per day for a minimum of three days
- A three day supply of healthy, nonperishable foods that require no preparation and little or no water
- Prescription medications and required medical supplies for people and pets
The Florida Retail Federation has produced a flier, which you can see below, with a listing of all items included in the sales tax holiday. Hurricane season begins Sunday, June 1.
You can follow Patrick Donges on Twitter @patrickhdonges.
