Florida residents will soon benefit from year-round tax relief on essential emergency preparedness items. As part of the newly approved state budget, lawmakers have opted to make permanent sales tax exemptions on a wide range of items commonly used during natural disasters.
Unlike previous years, the 2024-2025 state budget, which took effect on July 1, does not include the short-term “disaster relief” or “freedom summer” tax holidays. Instead, starting August 1, Floridians will no longer have to pay sales tax on several key items, offering consistent savings throughout the year.
Items that will now be permanently tax-free include:
- AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries
- Smoke detection devices
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Fire extinguishers
- Portable generators
- Waterproof tarps and other flexible waterproof sheeting (1,000 square feet or less)
- Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
- Portable gas or diesel fuel cans (5 gallons or less)
- Life jackets
- Bicycle helmets
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
The change aims to make emergency preparedness more accessible and affordable year-round, especially as Florida frequently faces hurricane threats and other natural disasters.
Other Tax Holidays Still Included
While the seasonal disaster relief tax holiday was replaced with permanent exemptions, the budget still includes other tax-saving measures:
- Back-to-School Tax Holiday: Now a permanent event every August, allowing families to save on school supplies, clothing, and more.
- Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Tax Holiday: A new tax holiday running from September 8 to December 31, 2024, covering items such as outdoor gear and recreational equipment.
The changes mark a shift in how Florida approaches tax relief, with an emphasis on year-round support for residents rather than limited-time windows. Lawmakers say the new policy will offer greater flexibility and preparedness for all Floridians.
