Florida Law Makes Hurricane Supplies Tax-Exempt Year-Round; Here’s What to Know

Starting August 1, 2025, Florida’s new House Bill 7031 introduces a wide range of tax breaks designed to ease everyday expenses. While the bill includes exemptions for things like affordable housing and business rent, this article focuses on the emergency preparedness provisions—highlighting how they support communities in staying ready for the unexpected. 

One major and impactful part of the bill is the introduction of year-round tax-exempt emergency supplies. What was once a limited-time tax holiday during July and August is now a year-round event, intended to support residents in hurricane preparation and other critical times of the year. That means Floridians no longer have to wait to stock up and prepare—you can now do so 365 days a year, tax-free.

Running from September 8 through December 31, 2025, a newly introduced tax holiday also provides sales tax exemptions on select outdoor recreation gear, including firearms, fishing equipment, camping supplies, and related accessories— within defined limits.

While at first glance this may seem tailored purely for recreational use, many of these items also serve dual purposes in emergency preparedness. Supplies such as camping tents, portable cooking gear, fire-starting tools, water filtration devices, and durable outdoor apparel are essential in survival scenarios, particularly during extended power outages or evacuations.

By making these items more accessible, the state encourages households to build resilience not only for recreation but also for practical preparedness in the face of natural disasters or other emergencies.

The bill also extends the back-to-school tax exemption from one week to one month, running from August 1st to 31st. This includes school supplies, clothing, learning aids, and certain electronics.

• Florida residents
• Families preparing for hurricane season

• Students, teachers, and parents during back-to-school
• Small businesses preparing emergency kits

• Avoids overcrowding and chaos at stores during hurricane season
• Reduces the risk of essential supplies running out
• Allows for long-term planning instead of last-minute panic
• Removes the pressure of limited tax windows — replacing chance with certainty

• Flashlights and batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V)
• First aid kits
• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Portable generators (10,000 watts or less)
• Tie-down kits and ground anchors
• Fuel containers (5 gallons or less)
• Plastic sheeting and tarps (1,000 sq ft or less)
• Insect repellent
• Non-cosmetic sunscreen
• Life jackets and bicycle helmets

• Generators - Must be 10,000 watts or less

• Fuel containers - Must be 5 gallons or less

• Tarps/sheets - Must be 1,000 square feet or less

Everything else can be purchased tax-free regardless of price. These items are tax-free year-round, with no deadlines and no restrictions on when you can shop.

Camping Supplies

• Tents: $200 or less
• Sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves, collapsible chairs: $50 or less each
• Lanterns and flashlights: $30 or less each

Fishing Supplies

• Rods and reels: $75 or less individually, $150 or less if sold as a set
• Tackle boxes or bags: $30 or less
• Bait or fishing tackle: $5 or less individually, $10 or less if multiple items are sold together

Hunting Gear

• Firearms (pistols, rifles, shotguns)
• Ammunition (per Florida Statutes § 790.001(1)): must include casing, primer, and projectile
• Bow and crossbow equipment, including:
• Accessories: charging handles, cleaning kits, holsters, pistol grips, sights/optics, stocks
• Bow accessories: arrows, bolts, bolts/quarrels, quivers, releases, wristguards, sights/optics 

Florida also made big changes to the back-to-school sales tax holiday. Previously, it needed annual approval and varied in length.

Now, thanks to House Bill 7073 (2025), it has been extended into a permanent, annual event taking place every August 1–31.

School Supplies (up to $50 per item):

• Notebooks, folders, pens, pencils
• Glue, scissors, rulers, markers
• Lunch boxes, index cards

Clothing and Footwear (up to $100 per item):

• Shoes, shirts, pants, skirts, jackets
• Backpacks, socks, belts, hats

Learning Aids and Toys (up to $30 per item):

• Flashcards, workbooks
• Educational puzzles and games

Computers and Accessories (up to $1,500 per item):

• Laptops, desktops, tablets
• Monitors, keyboards, mice, printers

• Physical retail stores anywhere in Florida
• Online retailers shipping to Florida addresses

• Big box chains like Walmart and Target
• Local businesses, office supply stores, and school vendors

• Rentals, repairs, or commercial (business-use) purchases
• Items bought inside theme parks, airports, or hotels

These changes make Florida one of the most generous states when it comes to tax relief for disaster preparedness and education. But they’re more than just seasonal savings — these permanent policies are part of a larger strategy to promote resilience, readiness, and smart planning.

Preparation doesn’t happen overnight — it takes time, intention, and a strong, informed community.

Integrate it into your planning, and encourage others to shop smart and prepare early.