Florida Announces Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays for 2023, Encourages Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Season

SARASOTA, Fla. - June 2, 2023 - PRLog -- In a strategic response to the annual Atlantic hurricane season, the State of Florida has announced an expansion of its Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays for 2023. For the first time in the state's history, Floridians are being granted two separate 14-day periods for sales tax exemptions on specified items vital for hurricane preparedness. These tax-free periods will run from May 27 through June 9 and from August 26 through September 8.

"This year, we're introducing a second tax-free holiday, coming just before the peak of the hurricane season," explains Bethany Wester, Communications Director with the Florida Department of Revenue. "This timely initiative, made possible by House Bill 7063, provides residents an additional opportunity to secure the essentials they need to stay safe during a hurricane."

The sales tax exemptions apply to an extensive list of items. Notably, EcoFlow, known for its portable power solutions, offers a range of products that when bundled together meet the criteria for the tax exemption. These products include portable generators & solar panels, which are of paramount importance for providing light, facilitating communication, and preserving food during power outages. EcoFlow's environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional gasoline generators, reinforcing Florida's commitment to sustainable disaster preparedness.

Additionally, the tax-free period covers self-powered lights and radios, including two-way and weather-band radios, batteries (excluding automobile and boat batteries), and life-saving devices such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors, all within specified price points.

"It's not just about weathering the storm, but doing so safely and effectively," Wester emphasizes. "We urge our residents to use these tax-free periods to ensure they are well-prepared for the coming hurricane season."

Florida state residents are also encouraged to consider having a satellite phone on hand during hurricane season. Satellite phones offer a crucial lifeline during hurricanes when traditional communication networks may be compromised. Stores such as Satellite Phone Store are participating in the tax holidays, providing residents with an optimal opportunity to acquire tax exempt products online.

For more information about the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays and the specific items covered, please visit the Florida Department of Revenue's official website or www.satellitephonestore.com.