Tax-Free Hurricane Supplies Start August 1: What Palm Beach County Homeowners Need to Know

Tax-Free Hurricane Supplies: Florida homeowners, mark your calendars: Starting August 1, 2025, hurricane season preparation just got a lot more affordable. Thanks to a new state law, a long list of hurricane prep essentials is now permanently exempt from sales tax across the state.

As your trusted roofing and storm-prep experts in Boynton Beach and the surrounding Palm Beach County area, we’re breaking down exactly what this means and how to take advantage of the new tax-free savings.

Florida’s New Permanent Tax Exemptions

Previously, Florida offered two short-term disaster preparedness tax holidays each year. That’s no longer the case. Starting August 1, a permanent exemption covers essential hurricane-prep items 365 days a year.

  • Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V)
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Portable generators (up to 10,000 watts)
  • Tarps and waterproof sheeting (up to 1,000 sq ft)
  • Tie-down kits and ground anchors
  • Fuel containers (up to 5 gallons)
  • Life jackets and bicycle helmets
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent

These items are now sales-tax-free every day of the year when purchased in Florida.

Why This Matters for Palm Beach Homeowners

If you live in coastal Florida, you know storm season is no joke. Whether you’re preparing for wind, water, or both, being ready means acting early—and now you can do it while saving money year-round.

Don’t wait until a storm is approaching. With this new exemption in place, you can shop smart, stock up early, and build peace of mind without worrying about missing a sales-tax holiday window.

Hurricane Prep Checklist (Now Tax-Free!)

Here’s a helpful storm prep checklist of items now exempt from Florida sales tax:

  • Flashlights + Batteries
  • Smoke & CO Alarms
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Portable Generator + Fuel Can
  • Tarps + Tie-Down Kits
  • Life Jackets & Helmets
  • Insect Repellent & Sunscreen

Keep your supplies in a waterproof bin stored in an elevated, easy-access spot. If you live near the coast or in a flood zone, be sure to review your evacuation plan as well.

Bundle Prep with Storm-Resistant Roofing

At Searbreeze Roofing, we do more than roofs—we help you protect your home from the top down. Many of our clients pair tax-free prep gear purchases with:

  • Roof Repairs After Storm Damage
  • Hurricane-Ready Shingle and Metal Roof Systems
  • Gutter Protection & Drainage Upgrades
  • Wind Mitigation Add-ons (can lower insurance!)

Ask us how to time your supply purchases with your new roof upgrade or repairs—it’s one more way to save while making your home more resilient.

Read out tips on how to storm proof your Palm Beach home and review the latest storm forecast from NOAA, Palm Beach Public Safety, and local weather stations.

Key Dates & Shopping Tips

  • Permanent Sales Tax Exemption Starts: August 1, 2025
  • Shop at local hardware, marine, or home improvement stores
  • Check that purchases are for residential use (not rentals)

You can read the full list of qualifying items and official rules at FloridaRevenue.com.

Stay Ready All Season Long

Florida’s new permanent exemption is just one of several homeowner-friendly changes in 2025. Stay tuned for updates about energy efficiency rebates, insurance reforms, and new hurricane grant programs.

And when it comes to protecting your home from the roof down, trust the team at Searbreeze Roofing.

Call us today for a free roof inspection or storm prep consultation.

Call us at (561) 583-5513 – Get Started