🌀 Hurricane Prep Just Got Cheaper: Florida’s Tax-Free Holiday Starts August 1
Living in Florida means sunshine, beaches, and yep—hurricanes. If you own a home anywhere in Tampa Bay, St. Pete, or along the Gulf Coast, storm prep is just part of the lifestyle.
The good news? From August 1 to August 14, Florida is offering a Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which means you can grab a ton of essential hurricane supplies tax-free. So if your flashlight stash is low or you’ve been putting off getting a generator, now’s the time to check it off the list.
🧾 What’s Included in the Tax-Free Holiday?
Here are some of the everyday items you can buy without paying sales tax:
Flashlights and lanterns (under $40)
Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V under $50)
Portable radios (under $50)
Coolers and ice chests (under $60)
Tarps and plastic sheeting (under $100)
Gas cans (under $50)
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (under $70)
Portable generators (up to $3,000)
Power banks and charging devices (under $60)
Reusable ice packs (no price limit)
Pet supplies like food, leashes, and carriers (under $100)
đź›’ View the full list here
🏡 A Hurricane Readiness Checklist for Florida Homes
Here’s a simple list to help you feel ready—not rushed—when the next storm starts spinning in the Gulf:
Emergency Basics
Flashlights + extra batteries
Battery-powered radio
First aid kit
Manual can opener
Cash on hand (in case ATMs go down)
Food & Water
At least 3 days of non-perishable food
1 gallon of water per person per day
Don’t forget food and water for pets!
Protect Your Property
Tarps or storm shutters
Generator + fuel (and practice using it!)
Sandbags if you’re in a flood-prone area
Bring in or tie down patio furniture, umbrellas, etc.
Fire extinguisher in good working order
Power & Communication
Fully charged power banks
Backup chargers for phones/devices
Written list of contacts (just in case)
Important Documents
ID, insurance, medical records in a waterproof folder
Take updated photos of your home for insurance
Health & Hygiene
Any prescriptions you’ll need
Baby supplies, if you have little ones
Toilet paper, wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.
đź’ˇ Why This Matters
Buying this stuff during the tax-free window can save you real money—and more importantly, help you avoid the panic of last-minute shopping before a storm.
And while we hope you never need to use most of it, being prepared gives you peace of mind.
If you're in St. Pete, Pass-a-Grille, Gulfport, or anywhere in Tampa Bay, this is your reminder: don’t wait until a storm is on the news to start prepping. August’s tax holiday is your calm-before-the-storm moment to get ready.
