2024 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

Dear Fellow Floridian,

As hurricane season continues, I urge all Floridians to take the time to make a plan in case of emergency, stock up on supplies and stay alert to weather threats to make sure that our families and businesses are prepared for a storm. 

This week, Floridians can restock their hurricane preparedness kits tax-free. The sales tax holiday ends on Friday, September 6th so make sure to take advantage of the savings while you can.

Throughout my time as governor and as your United States Senator, I have seen firsthand the destruction left behind by multiple devastating hurricanes – Michael, Irma, Hermine, Matthew and most recently, Ian, Fiona, Idalia and Debby. If there is one thing I learned, it’s that Florida is resilient. Our state and local communities come together in times of need and work incredibly hard to recover from these storms. 

Florida is resilient because we prepare for storms. I cannot stress this enough: preparedness saves lives. We can always rebuild a home, but we can’t rebuild a life.

Click HERE or above to see my message on hurricane preparedness.

Sincerely, 

Rick Scott
United States Senator

Click HERE for more information on keeping you and your loved ones safe when storms hit. Click HERE for more information on the 2024 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. For more information from the IRS on safeguarding important documents, click HERE . 

Hurricane Preparedness

As Floridians, we know that preparedness saves lives. As the 2024 hurricane season continues, the time for Florida families and businesses to make a plan is TODAY.

Now is a great opportunity for your family to stock your disaster supply kits with vital supplies like a first aid kit, a radio, flashlights, batteries and other necessities. Your kit should also include 7 days worth of food and water, prescription medications and any important documents.

Watch Sen. Scott and Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore’s Hurricane Season PSA HERE or below.

You can find resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan HERE .

Here are a few tips to help you prepare your family and business for this upcoming season:

Before a Storm

• Prepare an evacuation plan & make sure everyone in your home knows the plan.
• Stock up on emergency supplies, including:
  • Water – You will need water for drinking, cooking and sanitation purposes. Pack a minimum of 1 gallon daily per person for 7 days
  • Food – You will need enough food for a minimum of 7 days:
    • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices
      • Manual can opener
    • Foods for individuals with dietary restrictions (i.e. infants, elderly, etc.)
    • Snack foods
    • Cooking tools and fuel
    • Paper plates and plastic utensils
  • Flashlight and Extra Batteries
  • Pillows, Blankets and/or Sleeping Bags
  • Clothing – Include a complete change of clothes suitable for your area’s climate. Be sure to include sturdy shoes to protect you from debris or other sharp objects you may encounter outdoors post-storm
  • First Aid Kit, Prescription Medication and Other Medicines
  • Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
  • Toiletries
  • Cleaning Supplies – Include garbage bags, moisture wipes and other items you may need to sanitize your home or surrounding post-disaster
  • Special Items – Assess all family members needs. Consider other items needed for infants, elderly and individuals with access and functional needs (i.e. medical items, baby bottles, etc.)
  • Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods following a disaster
  • Toys, Books and Games
  • Important Documents – Consider storing all critical documents in a waterproof container, as well as saving them electronically. These items can include, but are not limited to, insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
  • Tools
  • Pet Care Items
    • Proper identification/ immunization records
    • Ample supply of food and water
    • Carrier or cage
    • Medications
    • Muzzle and leash
    • Photo of you and your pet(s) – in the event that you are separated from your pet, having an updated photo with your pet will help validate pet ownership
• If you have been told to evacuate, EVACUATE. Don’t stay behind. We can rebuild a home, but we can’t rebuild a life.

During a Storm

• Follow instructions from local law enforcement and emergency management officials.
• Stay away from windows and seek shelter.

After a Storm

• If you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until it is safe to do so.
• Be mindful of debris and down power lines.
• Do not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to .

Hurricane Preparedness Resources Websites

• FEMA : Visit FEMA for up-to-date information, support, services, and to apply for disaster assistance following a storm.
• SBA : Visit SBA to learn about low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from a major disaster
• FloridaDisaster.org : Visit FloridaDisaster.org for resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan for your family.
• HUD : Visit HUD to learn about housing assistance available to homeowners and renters
• National Hurricane Center : Visit NHC for the latest updates on tropical weather threats.