Floridians could buy flashlights, tarps, radios, batteries, generators and other hurricane necessities tax free the week before the storm season starts under a bill approved Wednesday by a Senate committee.
The measure (SB 24) exempts the items from the state’s 6 percent sales tax May 21-June 1 this year and May 20-31 in 2007.
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis. It was approved unanimously by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Services Committee and must be heard by two more Senate committees before it can go to the floor for a vote. A similar bill (HB 47) is moving in the House.
Among the items that would be tax free under the measure are portable lights that cost $20 or less; battery-powered radios under $50; certain tarps, anchor systems, gas tanks, batteries, cell phone chargers and coolers; and generators up to $1,000.
Supporters initially wanted to include plywood but determined that would be too unwieldy and instead on Wednesday added hurricane shutters up to $300 to the list of items that would be tax free.
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