MIAMI.- With hurricane season about to begin, Florida also offers a financial respite for residents preparing for the possibility of natural disasters in the state.
From June 1, 2023, when the hurricane season also begins, residents can take advantage of the tax exemption on a variety of essential items to deal with eventualities that may occur.
This first tax exemption will be in effect until June 14 and is intended to encourage residents to take proactive measures and ensure they are prepared for hurricane season.
“A disaster can happen at any time. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and fires are common threats to people and property,” Jim Zingale, executive director of the Florida Department of Revenue, wrote in a statement.
He added that the beginning of hurricane season is a good time for Floridians to gather the supplies they would need to stay safe during and after a disaster.
Tax-free items
The items included in the tax exemption are:
- Portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage, with a retail price of $3,000 or less.
- Tarp or other flexible waterproof sheet with a retail price of $100 or less
- An item typically sold or advertised as a ground anchor system or tie-down kit, with a retail price of $100 or less.
- Smoke detector or smoke alarm retailing for $70 or less
- Fire extinguisher with a retail price of $70 or less
- Carbon monoxide detector retailing for $70 or less
- Non-electric food storage refrigerator retailing for $60 or less
- Portable power bank retailing for $60 or less
- Gasoline or diesel fuel tank with a retail price of $50 or less
- Self-powered portable radio, two-way radio, or weather band radio retailing for $50 or less
- AA cell, AAA cell, C cell, D cell, 6-volt or 9-volt battery pack, excluding automobile and marine batteries, retailing for $50 or less
- Portable light source powered by battery, solar, hand crank or gas, retailing for $40 or less.
- Lanterns
- Candles
- Eligible light sources and radios qualify for the exemption, even if power cords are included in the purchase.
- Reusable ice (ice bags) retailing for $20 or less
- Supplies needed for the evacuation of household pets. For purposes of this exemption, necessary supplies means the non-commercial purchase of:
- Bags of dry dog or cat food weighing 50 pounds or less and retailing for $100 or less per bag
- Portable kennels or pet carriers retailing for $100 or less per item
- Over-the-counter pet medications with a retail price of $100 or less
- Pet beds retailing for $40 or less per item
- Cat litter weighing 25 pounds or less and retailing for $25 or less per item
- Leashes, collars and muzzles retailing for $20 or less per item
- Pet pads retailing for $20 or less per box or package
- Manual can openers retailing for $15 or less per item
- Collapsible or travel-sized food or water bowls retailing for $15 or less per item
- Cat litter trays retail for $15 or less per item
- Pet waste bags retailing for $15 or less per package
- Hamster or rabbit substrate retailing for $15 or less per package
- Cans or bags of wet dog or cat food with a retail price of $10 or less per can or bag or its equivalent if sold in a box or case.
Forecast
In the 2024 hurricane season, scheduled between June 1 and November 30, above-normal activity is expected, with a range of 17 to 25 named storms, of which between 8 and 13 could become hurricanes, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5).
Favorable conditions include warm ocean temperatures, development of La Niña conditions, reduced winds and less wind shear, according to experts.
If you are in states like Florida, the authorities’ suggestion is to stay informed and follow local recommendations to maintain safety during the hurricane season.
