“TAX HOLIDAY” FOR HURRICANE SUPPLIES

Gov. Jeb Bush indicates he intends to sign House Bill 6001, creating a 12-day tax holiday during which “certain” hurricane supplies will be exempt from Florida’s 6 percent sales tax. After the governor signs the measure Florida residents won’t have to pay sales tax on such items from June 1 to 12.

HB 6001 eliminates sales taxes on batteries, tarpaulins, radios, coolers and generators worth up to $750. Other untaxed items include: Portable radios, including two-way and weather-band models, up to $20; ground anchor systems or tie-down kits, up to $50; and gas and diesel fuel tanks, up to $25.

Purchasers would still pay a 6 percent state tax on other hurricane supplies, such as plywood.

The tax break, expected to save Floridians roughly $9.3-million, came as state senators also approved the popular sales tax holiday for back-to-school clothing, supplies and books for the sixth time since 1998.