Florida's disaster preparedness sales tax holiday starts Saturday. What you should buy
Florida’s disaster preparedness sales tax holiday is the best time for new residents kickstart their emergency kits and a reminder for everyone else to restock essential items.
The 14-day sales tax holiday starts on Saturday and runs through June 9. During this time, residents can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies tax-free. A second exemption period will run from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also announced the Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday that exempts sales takes for eligible boating, water, camping, fishing and other general outdoor supplies. The event, which runs from Saturday until Sept. 4, provides Florida residents with more opportunities to pick up hurricane supplies not typically included in the disaster preparedness sales tax holiday.
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Here’s a look at some must-have items for your kit.
Solar-powered generators — $3,000 or less
Portable generators used to provide light, communications or preserve food are exempt from sales tax if they’re $3,000 or less. Sales tax holidays are the perfect time to save money in tandem with many other summertime sales at big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes, which are both running Memorial Day sales.
While gas-powered generators are must-haves for homeowners, solar-powered generators can be a great option for anyone who can’t accommodate one. To be clear, most solar-powered generators are essentially giant batteries with an inverter, so you won’t be able to power your home in the same way a gas-powered generator would. They can help insure your electronic devices stay charged and run low-watt appliances.
Here’s what you should consider before purchasing a portable solar-powered generator:
Lower power output: Before doing anything, consider your goals. Solar generators typically provide less power than comparable gas generators, which could be a problem for powering larger appliances or systems. If you’re looking to provide power to a refrigerator or air conditioning units then you’ll want to consider a portable gas-powered generator instead.
Power capacity: Determine how much power you'll need, keeping in mind both the number of devices you plan to power and their individual power requirements. You'll want a generator that can handle your needs, but remember that higher capacity usually means a larger, heavier unit.
Battery life: Consider how long the generator's battery will last. Also, check how long it takes to fully charge the battery using solar power. Larger batteries will provide power for longer, but will also take longer to charge.
Solar panel efficiency: Not all solar panels are created equal. Higher efficiency panels will charge the generator more quickly and effectively, but they may also be more expensive.
Inverter rating: The inverter converts the DC power produced by the solar panels into AC power for your devices. Make sure the inverter can provide the amount of AC power you need.
Price: Higher-capacity, higher-efficiency generators will typically be more expensive, so you'll need to balance your power needs against your budget.
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Headlamps — $40 or less
Many headlamps are conveniently on sale at Amazon for $39.99, a penny under the limit, and provide immeasurable convenience when you’re stumbling around your home in the dark. Having a headlamp eliminates the need to pepper your home with several lanterns when the power goes out, allowing you to take a single light source with you wherever you go.
Most headlamps can be purchased with rechargeable batteries that can last up to a decade, and can be charged with portable power banks and generators.
Here are some tips on finding the right headlamp:
Brightness and beam type: A headlamp with a high lumen output (the measurement of light output) will provide a brighter light. Also consider if the headlamp offers both spot (focused) and flood (wide) beam types.
Battery life: Look for a headlamp with a long battery life. You may be without power for an extended period during a hurricane. It may be beneficial to have a headlamp that uses commonly available batteries for backup.
Rechargeable, solar-powered features: While disposable batteries are useful, a rechargeable or solar-powered headlamp could be invaluable if you run out of spare batteries.
Multiple modes: Many headlamps offer different light modes, such as high, medium, low, and flashing. These options can help preserve battery life and make the headlamp more useful in different scenarios.
Red light mode: A red light mode is handy for preserving night vision and not disturbing others when moving around in the dark.
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Portable power banks — $60 or less
If you don’t want to break the bank with a portable solar-powered generator, power banks are the next best thing — they are just smaller versions, after all. Power banks won’t be able to power appliances, but they can make sure your phones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices stay alive until the power kicks back on.
Here’s what to consider before purchasing a power bank:
Capacity: Measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), the capacity of the power bank determines how much energy it can store. The higher the capacity, the more times you can charge your devices.
Number of ports: Consider a power bank with multiple ports if you'll need to charge more than one device at a time.
Output power: The power output of the power bank determines how quickly it can charge your devices. It's measured in watts (W), and a higher output will charge devices faster.
Quality and safety: This one is important since online stores are flooded with cheap, unreliable and potentially dangerous power banks. Look for options from a reputable manufacturer that has safety features like overcharge and short circuit protection.
Compatibility: Ensure the power bank is compatible with the devices you plan to charge.
Solar Charging Feature: Some power banks have a built-in solar panel to recharge the battery, which could be useful if you're without power for several days.
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Tarps — $100 or less
Tarps aren’t as exciting as having light and power during an outage, but the peace of mind they provide cannot be understated. Is your roof leaking after the hurricane has passed? Throw a tarp on it. Have a downed tree that needs to be cut up? Throw the logs on the tarp for easy transportation. The possibilities are endless.
Camping stoves — $50 or less
It’s time to put the age-old tradition of eating cold Chef Boyardee straight out of the can to bed. It’s 2023 and the technology exists to at least heat it up. Cue a portable camping stove. These aren’t new products, but they’re now cheap enough and good enough that no Florida home — or apartment — should be without one.
Here’s what to consider before purchasing:
Fuel type: The most common types of fuel used for camping stoves are propane, butane and liquid fuel. Propane is often preferred due to its availability and relatively low cost.
Number of burners: Depending on your cooking needs, you may want more than one burner.
Stability: You'll want a stove that is stable to safely hold pots and pans. Some stoves have a low center of gravity and wide base for increased stability.
Safety: Look for safety features such as a solid locking mechanism for the fuel and sturdy, well-separated controls to reduce the risk of accidental burns. Make sure you use your camping stove in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Outdoor gas or charcoal grills — $250 or less
The Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday includes outdoor gas and charcoal grills for $250 or less, which are not typically included in the regular disaster preparedness sales tax holiday. Grills offer more versatile ways to prepare food than camping stoves, and are more likely to be used when you’re not bunkered down for a hurricane.
Here’s what you should consider before buying an outdoor grill:
Fuel Type: Decide between a gas (propane or natural gas) or charcoal grill. Each has its own advantages. Gas grills heat up quickly and are easy to clean, while charcoal grills can often reach higher temperatures and many people prefer the flavor they impart to food. You'll need to consider the availability and storage of propane, natural gas or charcoal, and stock up beforehand.
Temperature Control: Gas grills typically have knobs for easy temperature control, while with charcoal grills, you control the heat by managing the charcoal. A grill with good temperature control can help you cook more efficiently and safely.
What is covered by the Florida disaster preparedness sales tax holiday?
House Bill 7063 makes the following items exempt from sales tax during the two 14-day periods:
Self-powered lights of $40 or less.
Portable self-powered radio, two-way radio or weather-band radio of $50 or less.
A tarpaulin or other flexible waterproof sheeting with a sales price of $100 or less.
An item normally sold as, or generally advertised as, a ground anchor system or tie-down kit with a sales price of $100 or less.
A gas or diesel fuel tank with a sales price of $50 or less.
A package of AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, with a sales price of $50 or less.
A nonelectric food storage cooler with a sales price of $60 or less.
A portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage with a sales price of $3,000 or less.
Reusable ice with a sales price of $20 or less.
A portable power bank with a sales price of $60 or less.
A smoke detector or smoke alarm with a sales price of $70 or less.
A fire extinguisher with a sales price of $70 or less.
A carbon monoxide detector with a sales price of $70 or less.
Pet supplies are also tax free
The tax holidays also include a number of items related to the safe evacuation of household pets. Exempted items include:
Bags of dry dog food or cat food weighing 50 or fewer pounds with a sales price of $100 or less per bag.
Cans or pouches of wet dog food or cat food with a sales price of $10 or less per can or pouch or the equivalent if sold in a box or case.
Over-the-counter pet medications with a sales price of $100 or less per item.
Portable kennels or pet carriers with a sales price of $100 or less per item.
Manual can openers with a sales price of $15 or less per item.
Leashes, collars, and muzzles with a sales price of $20 or less per item.
Collapsible or travel-sized food bowls or water bowls with a sales price of $15 or less per item.
Cat litter weighing 25 or fewer pounds with a sales price of $25 or less per item.
Cat litter pans with a sales price of $15 or less per item.
Pet waste disposal bags with a sales price of $15 or less per package.
Pet pads with a sales price of $20 or less per box or package.
Hamster or rabbit substrate with a sales price of $15 or less per package.
Pet beds with a sales price of $40 or less per item.
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Additional items are tax free as residents prepare for hurricane season
The bill says common household consumable items selling for $30 or less will be exempt from sales taxes. What are "common household consumable items"? Those include:
Powder detergent; liquid detergent; or pod detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, stain removers, and bleach.
Toilet paper.
Paper towels.
Paper napkins and tissues.
Facial tissues.
Hand soap, bar soap and body wash.
Sunscreen and sunblock.
Dish soap and detergents, including powder detergents, liquid detergents, or pod detergents or rinse agents that can be used in dishwashers.
Cleaning or disinfecting wipes and sprays.
Hand sanitizer.
Trash bags.
Hurricane preparedness checklist
Making a hurricane preparedness checklist ahead of hurricane season can save you a lot of headache down the road. Waiting to the last minute to stock up on supplies can put you in a bind as stores struggle to meet demand when a hurricane is approaching.
More ideas: What supplies do you need for a storm? Here's a list
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has a list of basic disaster supplies that can get people through most tight situations:
Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler's checks
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Contributors: Cheryl McCloud - USA TODAY Network-Florida.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: What to buy during Florida’s disaster preparedness sales tax holiday
