Floridians can now save on emergency supplies year-round, thanks to a new state law that permanently eliminates sales tax on key disaster preparedness items.
Some Items Permanently Tax-Free:
- Batteries
- Portable generators
- Tarps
- Gas cans
- Tie-down kits
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Bug spray (new this year)
- Bottled water, first aid kits, and many common grocery store food items were already tax-free
Shoppers say the change is welcome relief as inflation continues to impact household budgets.
“We have a lot of things that cost a lot nowadays, so anything that helps save money — we’re down for,” said Hailey Morris of Jacksonville.
“I think that’s great,” added another Jacksonville resident, Al.
Previously, Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday was offered in two two-week windows — from June 1–14 and again from Aug. 24–September 6. But with the 2025–2026 state budget, the state shifted to a permanent exemption.
The newly signed budget includes $2 billion in tax relief, including the repeal of the business rent tax, expansion of existing tax holidays, and more than $428 million in estimated savings for Florida families.
Local hardware stores are still adjusting. At Hagan Ace Hardware on San Jose Boulevard, staff are working to update registers and pricing systems to reflect the changes.
“We can slowly check you out at the register, but we’re still making sure each item doesn’t get charged tax,” said Doug Kreie, the store’s manager. “In another few hours, everything will be fully loaded. We just ask customers to be patient — it might take a little longer at first, but we’ll get there.”
While the tax break is already in effect, store managers remind customers that it may take time for all eligible items to show up as tax-free at the register.
