Tax-free holiday for hurricane supplies ends Thursday

June 05-- Jun. 5--The time to stock up on hurricane supplies without paying sales taxes is coming to a close on Thursday.

The annual sales tax "holiday" is designed to remind people to prepare for the hurricane season, which began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

"As Floridians, we know hurricanes can devastate families, homes, and entire communities," Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said in a news release Wednesday. "This hurricane season, experts are predicting as many as 15 named storms and four major hurricanes. There is no room for complacency. As we saw last year with Hurricane Michael, you may only have a few days to react once the storm takes aim at Florida."

Hurricane Michael devastated Mexico Beach, Tyndall Air Force Back and other parts of the Panhandle as a Category 5 cyclone with 161-mph winds after quickly escalating in the most powerful storm ever to hit the region.

The sales-tax holiday, which started this past Friday, covers items such as batteries, tarps, flashlights and generators selling for up to $750.

This year, the disaster preparedness sales tax holiday program will save consumers about $5.5 million in local and state sales taxes on qualifying purchases, according to a staff analysis from the Florida House.

"Do not wait until it's too late. Prepare now, Florida!" Patronis added.

To speak with an insurance specialist, contact CFO Patronis' Insurance Consumer Helpline by calling 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236).

mskoneki@orlandosentinel.com

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