If you’ve been waiting for the next sales tax holiday to stock up on hurricane supplies—good news. You won’t have to wait anymore.
Starting August 1, 2025, a permanent sales tax exemption goes into effect for a list of essential hurricane supplies in Florida. That means you no longer have to time your preparedness around two-week windows or rush to beat the crowds. Now, some of the most important disaster supplies will always be tax-free, helping you prepare with peace of mind—and a little extra savings.
Why This Matters
Living in Florida means being hurricane-ready is a non-negotiable, especially as we approach the most active part of the season—mid-August through mid-October. The new exemption makes it easier to plan ahead and build a strong emergency kit before a storm is even on the radar.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or recently started exploring homes for sale in Gainesville FL, this is a reminder that preparation is a key part of protecting your investment and your peace of mind.
What’s Changing?
In years past, Florida offered short-term sales tax holidays—usually in June and again in August—for disaster preparedness. This year, those time-limited windows are going away. In their place: a permanent exemption that starts August 1, 2025.
So instead of scrambling to shop during a brief two-week tax break, you can now pick up the essentials year-round—without the extra cost.
What Hurricane Supplies Are Now Permanently Tax-Free?
Beginning August 1, the following items will always be exempt from Florida sales tax:
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Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt)
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Portable generators (up to 10,000 running watts)
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Waterproof tarps (1,000 square feet or less)
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Portable gas cans (5-gallon capacity or less)
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Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
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Smoke detectors or alarms (must meet safety standards)
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Carbon monoxide detectors (must meet Florida Building Commission requirements)
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Fire extinguishers (portable and manually operated)
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Life jackets (U.S. Coast Guard-approved)
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Sunscreen (designed to block UV rays; not cosmetic)
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Insect repellent
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Bicycle helmets (now includes all, not just youth-sized)
Reminder: Bottled water, first aid kits, and many grocery food items are already tax-free in Florida.
Why Now Is the Time to Prepare
Although the tropics are calm at the moment, forecasters say that storm activity is expected to increase in the weeks ahead. NOAA predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season, with:
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13–19 named storms
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6–10 hurricanes
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3–5 major hurricanes
The next named storm on the 2025 list? Dexter—and history tells us that activity tends to spike right around mid-August.
If you’ve been considering making a move—especially to areas less flood-prone—this is also a good time to revisit your options. There are plenty of Gainesville FL homes for sale that offer peace of mind with sturdy construction, elevated lots, and updated systems designed with Florida weather in mind. Whether you’re browsing houses for sale in Gainesville FL or eyeing condos for sale in Gainesville FL for ease of maintenance, preparation plays a big role in smart homeownership.
Final Thoughts
As your trusted Gainesville FL realtor, I always say: protecting your home means more than just a solid roof and a good insurance policy—it means being proactive. Whether you’ve just moved to the area or have called Gainesville home for decades, this new permanent tax exemption is one more reason to build your emergency kit today—not when a storm is on the horizon.
Stay safe, stay ready—and as always, if you have questions about Gainesville FL real estate, relocation, or how to hurricane-proof your next home purchase, I’m here to help.
Looking beyond preparedness? I’m happy to also share insights on the cost of living in Gainesville FL, the best restaurants in Gainesville FL, and local tips for navigating Gainesville FL things to do—because being informed is part of feeling at home.
