Florida disaster sales tax holiday begins as DeSantis orders tropical system preparations

By Michael Costeines

Published Aug. 25, 2023, 2:32 p.m. ET | Updated Aug. 25, 2023

Palm trees blowing in the wind, Tampa, Fla., March 13, 2022. (Photo/Sean Foster, Unsplash)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Florida’s second disaster sales-tax “holiday” is set to begin just as Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered authorities to prepare for a looming tropical system projected to impact the state’s gulf coast.

“Residents should remain vigilant and prepare for possible impacts early next week,” DeSantis announced Thursday evening.

The disturbance, just off the coast of Honduras in the Yucatan Peninsula, has a greater than 60% chance of tropical cyclone formation as of 2:00 pm EDT, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

The storm will likely bring wind and rain, but the system’s cone for landfall is still uncertain, along with its intensity. Its potential development could make it a tropical storm or even a Category 1 hurricane before it impacts the state as early as Monday to as late as Wednesday.

The tropical system comes just as Florida’s tax-free break is set to begin tomorrow and run through Sept. 8.

Essential items such as batteries, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, coolers, and tarps will be exempted during that time period.

Florida's second Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will begin next week. Essential disaster supplies including batteries, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, coolers, and tarps will be tax-free Aug. 26-Sept. 8. Find more information at https://t.co/EV3ni9FnrE. pic.twitter.com/HdbSuMNhTq
— Florida Department of Revenue (@FloridaRevenue) August 16, 2023

While Florida has seen little tropical impact to this point, residents are encouraged to manage their disaster plan and stock, or re-stock, their disaster supplies for at least seven days.

Hurricane season runs until Nov. 30.

For the latest developments on the storm, click here.