From March 13, 2008

Taxation

The House Economic Development Committee unanimously approved HB 111 Relating to Hurricane Preparedness by Representative Peter Nehr (R-Tarpon Springs). The bill provides a sales tax holiday for items needed to prepare for hurricane season.  The sales tax holiday will coincide with the opening day of hurricane season, June 1, 2008 and ends on June 12, 2008.  There is a specific list of items that are eligible for the sales tax holiday. Some examples include batteries; self-powered light sources selling for $20 or less; portable radios under $75; tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting selling for $50 or less; gas or diesel fuel tank selling for $25 or less; and non-electric food storage coolers selling for $30 or less.
                                   
The bill was amended to remove a section of the bill that placed certain marine items in the exemption list.

HB 111 will now be considered by the House Economic Expansion and Infrastructure Council.

AIF supports the hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday.  It is important for businesses and employees to be ready for hurricanes.  Being prepared for these natural disasters will lower the amount of time a business may be closed or an employee to be away from work.