Florida Makes Storm Supplies Tax-Free — Prepare During Peak Hurricane Season

 

With August marking the peak of Florida’s hurricane season, now is the time to ensure your employees, operations, and facilities are prepared.   To support this, the State of Florida has made it easier—and more affordable—for families and businesses to get ready: Storm preparedness supplies are now permanently exempt from sales tax—year-round.   This means businesses and residents no longer need to wait for a limited-time tax holiday to stock up. You can now purchase storm essentials storm supplies anytime, with built-in savings.

   

What qualifies as tax-free?   ·    Portable generators (≤ 10,000 watts) ·    Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V) ·    Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors ·    Fire extinguishers ·    Tarps and tie-down kits ·    Gas containers (≤ 5 gallons) ·    Coolers, flashlights, first aid kits ·    Life jackets, bike helmets, whistles ·    Insect repellent, sunscreen, and more     View the Full List

   

My Safe Florida Home Applications Open for Eligible Homeowners     The My Safe Florida Home program, administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services, helps eligible homeowners strengthen their homes against hurricanes and reduce insurance premiums.   Through this program, Florida residents may qualify for:   ·    A 2-to-1 match on home improvement costs, up to $10,000 ·    Funding for wind-mitigation upgrades such as: ·    Impact-resistant windows and doors ·    Roof improvements ·    Strengthened garage doors     Who is eligible? Homeowners must meet program criteria. Applications are now open and being processed in phases, with priority given to seniors and low-to-moderate-income households:   ·    Now Open – Group 1: Age 60+, Low-Income ·    August 18 – Group 2: Under Age 60, Low-Income ·    September 1 – Group 3: Age 60+, Moderate-Income ·    September 15 – Group 4: Under Age 60, Moderate-Income   Now is the time to act. Prepare your home before peak hurricane season and reduce the financial burden of repairs or insurance.     Explore Eligibility & Apply

 

Florida Chamber’s Role in State Disaster Response

   

The Florida Chamber of Commerce proudly serves as a designated participant in the State Emergency Response Team’s ESF-18 function, providing a direct line between Florida’s emergency operations and the business community.   Through this role, we help coordinate disaster updates, mobilize resources, and advocate for business needs before, during, and after a storm.

     

✅ Your Action Plan   The Florida Chamber Safety Council is committed to helping businesses like yours prepare, respond, and recover effectively during hurricane season.   As we move through the most active part of the 2025 season, we urge you to:   ·    Review your emergency supply inventory for all facilities, vehicles, and employees ·    Take advantage of Florida’s new year-round tax-free storm supply benefit ·    Bookmark our Hurricane Resource Hub with tools, checklists, and storm recovery guidance

     

If your organization has storm preparedness resources or tools that could support businesses before, during, or after a storm, we invite you to share them.   Please contact Betsy Dawson, Senior Director of Corporate Engagement to have them considered for inclusion on our hurricane preparedness webpage.

 

Submit Your Organization’s Resources

     

Visit our Hurricane Resources Page to access vital tools:  ·    Business Continuity Planning: Build an emergency contact list and plan to keep operations running. ·    Disaster Supply Kit Checklist: Make sure your workplace has all necessary supplies on hand. ·    Evacuation & Shelter Planning: Develop a clear plan to ensure employee safety during severe weather. ·    Protect Your Business: Learn how to secure your property and assets before and after a storm.     Explore the Hurricane Resources Hub

   

Let’s stay vigilant and ready—because preparedness today protects your people, property, and business tomorrow.   Feel free to share this information with your network to help spread awareness.

 

Stay safe, The Florida Chamber Safety Council Team