Florida’s traditional hurricane preparedness tax holidays are no more, but some emergency items will now be permanently tax-free.

The $115 billion state budget approved by lawmakers eliminates the two annual disaster preparedness sales tax holidays typically held in June and late summer. Instead, the state is shifting to year-round tax exemptions on select hurricane supplies.

Under the new policy, the following items will remain tax-exempt all year:

• AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, and 9-volt batteries
• Portable generators
• Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms
• Waterproof tarps
• Ground anchor systems
• Fuel containers (up to five gallons)

However, not all items from previous tax holidays made the cut. Reusable ice packs, flashlights, candles, power banks, coolers, and pet emergency supplies are no longer included in the exemption list.

“Will you save a ton of money because of what we do? Probably not,” said Senate Budget Chair Ed Hooper (R-Clearwater). “But you will save some.”

One popular tax holiday remains in place: the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. If approved by Governor Ron DeSantis, it will run throughout August each year. The exemption will apply to:

• School supplies priced at $50 or less
• Learning aids and puzzles under $40
• Computers and related accessories under $1,500

The budget is awaiting DeSantis’ signature, and he still has the power to veto specific items.

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