A $1.3 billion tax cut package is now on Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk, and if signed into law, it would eliminate Florida’s traditional hurricane and back-to-school sales tax holidays. In their place, the state would implement permanent tax exemptions on dozens of commonly purchased items, including storm supplies and school essentials.
The changes would mark a major shift for Florida residents, especially those in hurricane-prone regions like South Florida, who have relied on the seasonal tax breaks to prepare for storms and send their children back to school with lower out-of-pocket costs.
Hurricane Supplies: No More Tax Holidays, But Year-Round Savings
If DeSantis signs HB 7031, Floridians would no longer see two-week sales tax holidays at the start and peak of hurricane season. Instead, there would be permanent tax exemptions on many items traditionally covered by the disaster preparedness holiday.
Items that would be permanently tax-free include:
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Batteries
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Portable generators
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Tarps and portable gas cans
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Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
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Insect repellant and sunscreen
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Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
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Fire extinguishers and life jackets
Pet food and supplies, which were previously included in tax holidays, are not covered under the new proposal.
Back-to-School: Month-Long August Tax Break
The state’s usual one- to two-week back-to-school tax holiday would be replaced by a month-long sales tax exemption for the entire month of August. This change is designed to help families save both before and after the school year begins.
Tax-free items would include:
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Clothing and accessories
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Backpacks, diaper bags, and handbags
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School supplies under $50 (e.g., pens, notebooks, folders, glue)
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Educational aids and puzzles under $30
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Computers and accessories costing $1,500 or less
With Florida public schools allowed to begin no earlier than August 10—and many districts opening on Monday, August 11—parents would have a longer window to make tax-free purchases throughout the back-to-school season.
What Comes Next?
Governor DeSantis has not yet signed the measure, but approval is expected. If enacted, the new law would make savings on emergency and school supplies available year-round rather than only during short seasonal windows.
For families across the state—including Caribbean-American households in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties—these changes could offer more flexible, ongoing relief as they prepare for both storm season and the school year.
