Many items needed to prepare for hurricane season are tax exempt.
You must be a member to read this story.
Join our family of readers for as little as $10 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already have an account? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
To Our Valued Readers –
Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe.
For $5, less than 17 cents a day, subscribers will receive unlimited access to SouthCentralFloridaLife.com, including exclusive content from our newsroom.
Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.
Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy.
Get every story for $10 a month. You can cancel at anytime.
Register for an account
You'll need an account on our site to post calendar listings and comment on stories. Sign up today. It's free, and takes just a minute!
I am anchor
Many hurricane supply items are exempt from taxes
Posted
Special to Lake Okeechobee News
Many items needed to prepare for hurricane season are tax exempt.
In 2025, the Florida Legislature voted to give the following hurricane supplies a tax exemption year-round: The following items, which have been temporarily exempted during past tax holidays, are always exempt:
Batteries – only sizes specified below are exempt: AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, 9-volt.
Bicycle helmets – Youth bicycle helmets were previously exempt; all bicycle helmets are exempt beginning August 1, 2025.
Carbon monoxide alarms – As defined in section 553.885, Florida Statutes (F.S.), “carbon monoxide alarm” means a device that is meant for the purpose of detecting carbon monoxide, that produces a distinct audible alarm, and that meets the requirements of and is approved by the Florida Building Commission.
Fire extinguishers – As defined in s. 633.102, F.S., “fire extinguisher” means a cylinder that: (a) Is portable and can be carried or is on wheels. (b) Is manually operated. (c) May use a variety of extinguishing agents that are expelled under pressure. (d) Is rechargeable or nonrechargeable. (e) Is installed, serviced, repaired, recharged, inspected, and hydrotested according to applicable procedures of the manufacturer, standards of the National Fire Protection Association, and the Code of Federal Regulations. (f) Is listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits.
Insect repellent – products registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency, which are designed to deter insects and are intended for application to the skin of a person.
Life jackets – personal flotation devices approved by the US Coast Guard intended to be worn by a person to provide buoyancy to support a person in the water.
Portable gas cans - portable gas or diesel fuel cans with a capacity of 5 gallons or less.
Portable generators – portable engine-driven generators capable of producing 10,000 running watts or less.
Smoke detection devices – As defined in s. 83.51, F.S., “smoke detection device” means an electrical or battery-operated device which detects visible or invisible particles of combustion and which is listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Factory Mutual Laboratories, Inc., or any other nationally recognized testing laboratory using nationally accepted testing standards.
Sunscreen – excludes cosmetics or other products that are not primarily intended to absorb, reflect, or scatter ultraviolet radiation.
Waterproof tarpaulins – flexible waterproof tarps and sheeting that are 1,000 square feet or less.