New expansions on tax holidays help Florida families
In a state with more than 1,000 miles of coastline, Floridians are no strangers to severe weather. History has proven that every region of Florida is vulnerable to hurricanes. From the Keys to the Panhandle, hurricanes can put our families, our homes and our businesses at risk. That’s why we prepare.
Hurricane season started June 1, and now is the time to get prepared for whatever may come our way. From now through June 9, Floridians can stock up and pay no taxes on essential items for disaster preparation. When you’re stocking up, I encourage you to support the neighbors in your community by choosing to shop at a local retail store.
The Florida Legislature this year passed HB 7063, which was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, to provide savings to Florida families on essentials for hurricane season, as well as summer activities, tools and back-to-school. The legislation renews our state’s traditional sales tax holidays and expands them to include more days and more items.
Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday spans four weeks this year. The first opportunity to save began May 27 through June 9. There are dozens of items eligible to purchase tax free, including flashlights, tarps, generators, smoke detectors and even pet supplies. New to the list of eligible items this year are common household goods like detergent, paper towels, soap and trash bags.
You can stock up now – and then stock up again during the second Disaster Preparation Sales Tax Holiday planned for this year on August 26 through September 8.
Florida families can also bring home summer fun tax-free during the Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday, which runs Memorial Day through Labor Day.
When summer comes to an end and it’s time to return to school, the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday offers tax-savings on school supplies, electronics and clothing. Floridians can shop these items July 24 through August 6.
There’s also a Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday that provides tax relief on tools commonly used by skilled workers. Consumers can save on items like power tools, work boots and toolboxes September 2 through 8.
Sales tax holidays are more than just a tax break. These opportunities to save can yield positive impacts on employment, income and tax revenues.
There are more than 274,000 retail businesses across the Sunshine State. More than 3.6 million jobs are tied to the industry, or nearly one-third of all jobs in Florida. When customers choose to save on purchases at Florida retail stores, they are supporting Florida businesses to create jobs, invest in their teams and prosper.
Start with the Disaster Preparation Sales Tax Holiday now through June 9. Get prepared for severe weather with tax savings on essential items to keep your family, homes and businesses safe.
But don’t miss out on the other tax savings offered this year for summer activities, back to school and tools. When you do, be sure to “Find It In Florida.” Shop local to support your neighbors and your community.
Scott Shalley is the president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: New expansions on tax holidays help Florida families
