With hurricane season set to begin on Sunday, Florida has yet to schedule any disaster preparedness sales tax holidays due to ongoing delays in finalizing the state budget.

Governor Ron DeSantis, speaking in Jupiter on Friday, emphasized the importance of readiness and expressed confidence that the tax holidays—allowing residents to purchase hurricane supplies without paying sales tax—will eventually be approved.

“These disaster preparedness tax holidays will be enacted soon,” DeSantis said. “It has to happen in June because the budget needs to be finalized by the end of the month. Hopefully, we’ll get it done so people can save some money.”

In past years, these holidays have let Floridians buy essentials like batteries, generators, first-aid kits, and other supplies tax-free in the lead-up to storm season.

As of now, it’s unclear when lawmakers will reach a budget agreement. They face a firm deadline at the end of June to avoid a government shutdown.

Don’t Wait — Start Prepping Now

Even without the tax break in place, experts recommend preparing your hurricane kit now. Once a storm is named and tracking toward Florida, supplies can quickly vanish from store shelves.

It’s better to buy what you need early than be left scrambling at the last minute. Whether you’re building a new kit or updating an old one, here are the basics you’ll want on hand:

Hurricane Supply Kit Essentials:

• Flashlights and extra bulbs
• Battery-operated radio
• Battery-operated lanterns
• Extra batteries (all sizes)
• Wind-up or battery-powered clock
• Matches
• First-aid kit
• Duct tape
• Rain gear
• Plastic garbage bags
• Fire extinguisher
• Scissors
• Manual can opener
• Clean clothes
• Extra blankets and pillows
• Heavy-duty gloves
  

Food & Water:

• Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Two coolers (one for food, one for drinks)
• Canned goods
• Bottled juice
• Dry pet food

Planning now ensures you’re ready — with or without a tax holiday — before the first storm threat appears.

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(Image credit: Al Diaz/Associated Press)

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