I can’t believe hurricane season is right around the corner! The season officially begins on Saturday, June 1^st and lasts until November 30^th. This year there is something new and exciting to help Florida residents prepare.

Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a tax-relief package (HB 7123) earlier this month that will offer a week long sales tax holiday on items to help us get ready for any upcoming storms including batteries, flashlights and radios.

These discounted items will likely coincide with hurricane season discounts from businesses, like Lowes and Home Depot, that are already stressing the arrival of the six-month 2019 Hurricane Season.

This week-long sales tax holiday is expected to save shoppers $800,000 state wide.

Jim Zingale, executive director of the Florida Department of Revenue, encouraged all Floridians to exploit the “holiday.”

“While living in and visiting Florida offers many benefits and advantages, it is important to keep the potential for severe weather hazards and threats in mind,” Zingale says.

Items eligible for the May 31-June 6 tax break:

• Reusable ice that costs $10 or less
• Self-powered light sources, $20 or less
• Gas or diesel fuel tanks, $25 or less
• Nonelectric food storage coolers, $30 or less
• Packs of AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt or 9-volt batteries, $30 or less
• Self-powered radios, two-way radios or weather-band radios, $50 or less
• Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting, $50 or less
• Tie-down kits, $50 or less
• Portable generators, $750 or less

Source: News Service of Florida