If your business sells items like batteries, flashlights, generators, or coolers, you need to be aware of the upcoming Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.  For the week of May 31 – June 6, 2019, certain items will be exempt from the state sales tax if they meet certain price restrictions.

All day May 31st through June 6th, the sale of the following items will be exempt from the state sales tax:

Selling for $10 or less:

  • Reusable ice packs

Selling for $20 or less:

  • Any portable self-powered light source (powered by battery, solar, hand-crank or gas), such as flashlights, lanterns and candles

Selling for $25 or less:

  • Any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers

Selling for $30 or less:

  • Batteries (excluding car and boat batteries), including rechargeable batteries (sizes AAA-cell, AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, and 9-volt)
  • Coolers and ice chests (food storage; nonelectrical)

Selling for $50 or less:

  • Bungee cords
  • Ground anchor systems
  • Two-way and weather band radios, whether powered by batteries, solar or hand-crank
  • Tarps
  • Tie-down kits and ground anchor systems
  • Visqueen, plastic sheeting, drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting

Selling for $750 or less:

  • Portable generators used to provide light or communications, or to preserve food in the event of a power outage

First-aid kits (always exempt)

The Florida Department of Revenue has published a Taxpayer Information Publication that contains the above list and answers commonly-asked questions about this tax-free holiday.  To download a copy of this publication, click here.  If you have questions, you can call the Department of Revenue’s toll-free Taxpayer Services line at 800-352-3671.