Florida Sales Tax Holiday Underway

WEST PALM BEACH, FL — With hurricane season underway as of Friday, Floridians can save on batteries, flashlights and other storm essentials during the entire first week of June. Florida Gov. Rick Scott traveled to Hall Hardware in West Palm Beach to highlight the state's hurricane preparedness tax holiday. The program extends to certain goods up to $750.

"This year with the support of the legislature, I asked for a longer timeframe for hurricane preparedness," Scott said on Tuesday.

The governor said more than six million people were evacuated throughout Florida and 700 shelters were opened during last year's hurricane season.

"Hopefully everybody will get out and get ready early," Scott explained. "It seems like hurricane season's already started this year with Alberto just coming through our state."

The tax holiday runs from June 1 to June 7. Scott said it will save Floridians $5.8 million.

The following goods are included in the tax holiday:

• Portable generators that are used to provide light, communications or to preserve food for $750 or less
• Tarpaulins $50 or less
• Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths and other flexible waterproof sheeting $50 or less
• Ground anchor systems $50 or less
• Tie-down kits $50 or less
• Bungee cords $50 or less
• Ratchet straps $50 or less
• Radios powered by batteries, solar or hand cranks, including tw0-way and weather models $50 or less.
• Batteries except automotive and marine models $30 or less. This includes rechargeable batteries in the following sizes: AA, AAA, C, D, 6 volt, 9 volt
• Coolers and non-electrical ice chests for food storage $30 or less
• Gas or diesel fuel containers, including LP gas and kerosene contains $25 or less
• Portable self-powered lights, including flashlights, lanterns or candles $20 or less
• Reusable ice or ice packs $10 or less.

"Everybody needs to get a plan," Scott added. "During the storm and a few days after the storm you've got to take care of yourself."

Other preparedness items that are already non taxable, include bottled water, canned foods, first-aid kits, prescription baby food, baby formulas and prescription and non-prescription medications, including most over-the-counter medicines.

While not eligible for the tax savings, SUSTAIN Supply Co. of South Florida is offering a 10 percent discount and free shipping on certain disaster preparedness kits from June 1-7. The discount applies to all hurricane prep kits for couples and families of four purchased on Sustain.com. You must use code hurricaneprep at checkout.

Visit FloridaDisaster.org for help with hurricane planning.

Watch as the governor discusses the tax holiday below:

Video and image courtesy state of Florida