DeSantis Urges Taking Advantage of Disaster Preparedness Tax-Free Holiday Before Active Hurricane Season

May 26, 2022 Updated 11:36 A.M. ET

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis encouraged Floridians to buy disaster preparedness items while they are tax-free ahead of what is expected to be an active 2022 Hurricane Season. 

Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday spans from Saturday, May 28th to Friday, June 10th. 

Floridians are expected to save $25.6 million after purchasing tax-free items including flashlights, radios, tarps, batteries and fire extinguishers. 

“Preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters can be costly, especially with ongoing inflation continuing to impact our nation,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis signed the state’s largest tax relief package which also extended the disaster sales tax holiday from 10 days to 14 days. 

“This year, the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday has been extended to a full two weeks to ensure Floridians are receiving the maximum amount of savings and have enough time to prepare for hurricane season,” the Governor said.

This year, household pet supplies such as pet food, leashes, collars, beds and portable kennels can also be bought tax-free. 

“Keeping a fully stocked disaster supply kit with at least 7 days of supplies for each family member, including pets, is an essential component of disaster preparedness,” said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie.

Qualifying disaster preparedness supplies include:

– Pet leashes, collars, muzzles and pads costing $20 or less;

– Flashlights, lanterns and pet beds costing $40 or less;

-Batteries and weather radios costing $50 or less;

– Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers costing $70 or less;

– Tarps and portable pet kennels costing $100 or less; and

– Generators costing $1,000 or less.

A full list of eligible tax-free items is available here. The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. Find more information on developing a disaster preparedness plan for homes and businesses here.