Hurricane season begins with no tax breaks for Floridians to stock up
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Thanks to Republican infighting in Tallahassee, Floridians are on their own when it comes to stocking up as hurricane season gets underway, with no immediate sales tax holidays for supplies.
Why it matters: In past years, sales tax holidays have saved families over $70 million, money that could've helped offset rising costs and motivated more people to purchase essentials.
- With consumers pulling back on spending nationwide, scrapping the incentive could mean fewer homes are prepared for the storms ahead.
Catch up quick: The legislative session dragged into overtime because of disagreements over the state budget, with GOP lawmakers in a standoff over which tax cuts to push through.
- The House's recommendation didn't include sales tax holidays; the Senate's included one, which would've run from May 15 to May 31. DeSantis pitched two, each of which would've lasted two weeks.
- In 2024, Floridians got two 14-day tax holidays on supplies: one at the start of hurricane season and the other between August and September, its most active stretch.
Yes, but: You don't need to go in unprepared.
- The Florida Division of Emergency Management created a disaster supplies kit checklist that includes food and water, first aid supplies, insurance documents, flashlights, batteries and medicine.
State of preparedness: You can find almost everything (sans insurance documents, car keys, etc.) at your local Walmart.
- This year, Yacob found 30 items on the list for $226.37. (That's more than last year.)
Pro tips: These items aren't all located in the same aisle or even the same general area of the store. Use the Walmart app to see the most cost-effective options and where to find them.
- You won't find the suggested "sturdy boots" for less than $30 at Walmart, and expect to spend a good amount on quality phone chargers, batteries and flashlights.
- You can purchase a first aid kit for $10.98, but buying supplies separately provides a better cost-to-quantity ratio.