East Volusia News

Governor Ron DeSantis Encourages Residents to Utilize Disaster Preparation Sales Tax Holiday

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As the 2024 hurricane season commences, Governor Ron DeSantis has urged residents to take advantage of the 14-day sales tax holiday for disaster preparation supplies. He also emphasized the importance of having a disaster plan and assembling a readiness kit at home.

In addition, Governor DeSantis announced a $7.5 million award to Lee County through Florida’s Job Growth Grant Fund. This funding aims to rebuild and enhance the shrimp dock at San Carlos Maritime Park, which was destroyed during Hurricane Ian. The facility will serve dual purposes as an emergency operations site and a docking area for shrimp vessels.

“With hurricane season underway, now is the time to get prepared and ensure you have a disaster plan in place,” said Governor DeSantis. “I encourage all Floridians to use the sales tax holiday to stock up on necessary emergency supplies and assemble a disaster preparedness kit.”

Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, stated: “Thanks to the steadfast leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state has all the resources necessary to support Florida communities in the event a storm does strike this hurricane season.” He added that he has been meeting with county emergency managers statewide to ensure preparedness and coordination at all levels.

The first of two Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays runs through June 14. During this period, many disaster preparation items can be purchased tax-free, including water, shelf-stable canned food, batteries, flashlights, reusable ice packs, pet items, toys, portable power banks, portable generators, tarps or waterproof sheeting, smoke detectors and alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, and portable radios under $50.

Several pet-related items such as leashes, beds, wet and dry food, and over-the-counter medications are also included in the tax-free list. For a complete checklist of recommended disaster supplies, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit.

Preparedness efforts include:

- **Get Educated**: Learn about community disaster plans and warning systems.

- **Make a Plan**: Develop personal household needs lists; involve all family members in planning; make arrangements for pets.

- **Inventory Home Possessions**: Record possessions for insurance claims.

- **Reduce Home Hazards**: Repair defective wiring and gas connections; secure heavy objects; trim trees.

- **Prepare an Emergency Kit**: Stock enough supplies for at least seven days per household member.

- **Safeguard Important Records**: Keep copies of important documents in safe locations.

- **Know Your Zone**: Determine if your home is in an evacuation zone or flood-prone area.

- **Fuel Readiness**: Maintain vehicles with at least half a tank of gas or charge halfway during hurricane season.

- **Evacuation Strategy**: Evacuate tens rather than hundreds of miles inland when necessary.

For additional information on hurricane preparedness resources or evacuation zones visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide.