Florida’s permanent sales tax exemption on essential hurricane supplies took effect July 1, just one month into what forecasters predict will be a busy storm season.
Palm Beach shoppers can now purchase items like batteries, portable generators and tarps tax-free year-round, not just during designated tax holidays.
The exemption is part of a tax relief package signed into law June 30 by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Florida has permanently eliminated sales tax on essential hurricane preparedness items, including batteries, generators, tarps, fuel containers, and other emergency supplies,” the town noted in an alert posted July 1. “This change replaces the previous temporary tax holidays, making it easier for residents to stay prepared year-round.”
In its alert, the town reminded residents, businesses, and visitors to stay alert, informed, and prepared with up-to-date emergency plans.
Preparation measures include stocking emergency essentials, protecting important paperwork, establishing clear communication plans with family and neighbors, and knowing where and when to evacuate.
The town offers links to websites that assist with hurricane preparation, including those managed by the town, county and state. To access the information on the town’s website, go to www.townofpalmbeach.com or email storm@townofpalmbeach.com.
The town lies in Evacuation Zone B, which includes most of Palm Beach County’s barrier islands east of the Intracoastal Waterway. Along with Zone A, which includes mobile homes and low-lying areas, Zone B typically is among the first to be evacuated when a major storm approaches.
In the event of a mandatory evacuation and a declaration by the town’s chief of police that a state of emergency exists within the town as a result of a hurricane impact, town police will establish roadblocks at each of the access points and bridges leading into the town. The roadblocks prevent access to the island while conditions are unsafe, the town said.
As part of their storm preparation, residents and business owners also are encouraged to review the town’s re-entry program, which is conducted in five phases following the passage of a storm.
Out-of-town residents, owners and lease holders, as well as business owners or property representatives, must complete a re-entry list program application in order to gain access to the town after an emergency. Applicants must have a government-issued ID to be placed on the re-entry list, which expires Dec. 31, 2026. To complete an application, visit the town’s website at www.townofpalmbeach.com/329/15771/Emergency-Re-Entry-List-Program. For information, contact the town’s Crime Scene Evidence Unit at 561-838-5466.
In its forecast released May 22, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted a 60% chance of an above-average season.
The agency called for 13 to 19 named storms, with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, six to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or higher. They include three to five major hurricanes — Category 3, 4 or 5 — with winds of 111 mph or higher.
Experts from Colorado State University — among the nation’s top seasonal hurricane forecasters — predict 17 named tropical storms will form in 2025, of which nine will become hurricanes. Based on records from 1991 to 2020, a typical hurricane season brings roughly 14 tropical storms, with seven reaching hurricane strength.
Last year, 18 storms formed, including destructive Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Florida’s year-round sales tax exemption on essential hurricane supplies now in effect
Reporting by Jodie Wagner, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
