FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference at a Home Depot in Fort Myers on Tuesday morning, where he spoke about the tax-free holiday to help South Floridians prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.
He was joined by Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie and Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.
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“When Ian came, we restored millions and millions within a matter of 48 hours,” said DeSantis. “We worked hard to get supplies, bridges working, all that--and that’s just something we take pride in.”
DeSantis shared the importance of a hurricane preparedness plan and kit that should last for seven days in case of an extended power outage.
“With hurricane season underway, now is the time to get prepared and ensure you have a disaster plan in place,” said DeSantis. “I encourage all Floridians to use the sales tax holiday to stock up on the necessary emergency supplies and assemble a disaster preparedness kit.”
He also sent a warning to anyone trying to loot or “take advantage” of others during the hurricane season.
“As we get into hurricane season, we are prepared to uphold the rule of law and anyone who tries to loot during this season, we will throw the book at you,” DeSantis said.
Desantis suggested that Florida residents should spend $20 to buy a device that will detect if carbon monoxide is coming into their homes if they use a generator during hurricane season.
DeSantis also awarded $7.5 million to Lee County for the shrimp dock in San Carlos Maritime Park during Tuesday’s press conference.
The dock will serve as an emergency operation site to launch barges and give the proper space for shrimp vessels to transfer products to distribution trucks.
According to a news release from the governor’s office, right now, through June 14, the first of two Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays is happening, which means many disaster preparation items can be purchased tax-free, including:
- Water
- Shelf-stable canned food
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Reusable ice
- Pet items
- Toys
- Portable power banks and more
Other important items that are tax-free include:
- Portable generators
- Tarps or other waterproof sheeting
- Smoke detectors and alarms
- Fire extinguishers
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Portable radios less than $50
“And since pets are part of the family, too, several items such as pet leashes, beds, wet and dry food, and over-the-counter pet medications can also be purchased tax-free through June 14. For a full disaster supply kit checklist, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Kit,” the release stated.
Click here to download the full 2024 Florida Hurricane Guide, which includes ways to keep individuals, families and pets prepared and informed for the season ahead.
You can also click here for more information on how to find low/no-cost preparedness tips for the upcoming hurricane season.
Local 10 viewers can watch the press conference in the video below.