🌀 Hurricane Preparedness in The Villages®: What Has Changed on Tax Savings?
Living in The Villages® means plenty of sunshine and community—but hurricane season (June 1–November 30) reminds us to be ready. In past years, Florida offered tax-free shopping windows for disaster supplies. Not anymore. Here’s the full update—so you don’t get caught unprepared.
🧾 1. No More Disaster Preparedness Tax Holidays
Unlike previous seasons, Florida is not offering any sales‑tax holidays for disaster supplies in 2025wflx.com+2axios.com+2gulfcoastnewsnow.com+2taxadmin.org+4wflx.com+4avalara.com+4. Budget delays and legislative decisions left out the traditional two-week prep holiday. That means no sales tax breaks on items like flashlights or generators—during hurricane season or otherwise.
💡 2. But There’s Good News: Permanent Tax Exemption Now in Place
Rather than limited-time breaks, Florida has switched to a permanent, year-round exemption on important preparedness items, effective July 1, 2025 flsenate.gov+6avalara.com+6news4jax.com+6. This includes:
- AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, and 9V batteries
- Portable generators
- Gas/diesel fuel cans (≤ 5 gallons)
- Tarps and tie-down kits (≤ 1,000 sq ft)
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Insect repellent & sunscreen
- First‑aid kits
- Life jackets and bicycle helmets wsj.com+8clickorlando.com+8gulfcoastnewsnow.com+8flsenate.gov
Bottom line: You can buy these items any time of year and won’t pay sales tax—no need to wait or scramble during a holiday window.
🏡 3. Hurricane Prep Tips for Villagers
Even with the tax change, preparation essentials remain the same:
- Emergency kit: water (1 gal/person/day for 3–7 days), non‑perishable food, meds, batteries, radio, cash, docs
- Secure your home: trim trees, stow patio furniture, reinforce doors, charge carts
- Stay informed: sign up for Sumter & Marion County alerts; keep a battery radio handy
- Insurance check: verify windstorm coverage—update if needed
✅ 4. What Villagers Should Do Now
- Build or refresh your supply kit at your convenience—no need to time purchases around tax holidays.
- Leverage permanent exemptions by shopping throughout the year—you’ll see savings on storm gear.
- Monitor prices/promotions: retailers may still offer deals or bundle discounts, even without tax-free dates.
🔚 Final Thoughts
The Villages® is a community that supports one another, and being prepared is part of that spirit. While there’s no more «tax holiday scramble,» the new permanent exemptions are even stronger—buy what you need when you need it, tax-free.
If you’d like help assessing your home’s storm readiness or discussing upgrades like impact windows and flood controls, reach out any time. I’m here to help you live confidently—rain or shine.