Time to stock up: Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday underway

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida residents who need to stock up on household and pet evacuation supplies after last year’s hurricane season can save some money this week.

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The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts on Thursday, and time is running out to prepare for potential storms.

Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday started on Saturday.

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In addition to the regular things like batteries, flashlights, and generators, this year the tax holiday includes household items like toilet paper and soap.

Here are nine items that will be exempt from taxes:

• Wet pet food at $10 or less
• Reusable ice packs for $20 or less
• Candles, lanterns and flashlights for $40 or less
• Any gas or diesel fuel container for $50 or less

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• Batteries priced at $50 or less
• Portable radios at $50 or less
• Coolers and ice chests for $60 or less
• Tarps that cost $100 or less
• Portable generators at $3,000 or less

Read: New to Florida? 9 helpful tips to get you through a hurricane

Some everyday household items will now be eligible for tax exemption this year, including laundry detergent, paper towels, trash bags, soap, and facial tissues.

You can find a complete list of qualifying items here.

A second sales tax holiday will be from Aug. 28 through Sep. 8.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, peaking in August through October.

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