On May 25th, 2023 Governor DeSantis signed a record $2.7 billion tax relief package. This is the largest tax relief program in Florida’s history.
Sales tax holidays included in the tax relief package for the 2023–2024 fiscal year:
- Back-to-School sales tax holidays will take place July 24 – August 6, 2023, and January 1 – January 14, 2024.
- Disaster Preparedness sales tax holidays will take place May 27 – June 9, 2023, and August 26 – September 8, 2023.
- The Freedom Summer sales tax holiday lasts from Memorial Day through Labor Day of this year.
- The Tools and Equipment sales tax holiday will take place from September 2 – September 8, 2023.
Additionally, the tax relief package includes a one-year sales tax exemption on gas stoves and Energy Star appliances. There will also be a reduction in the tax rate on business rent from the current 5.5% down to 4.5% effective December 1, 2023, to help small businesses keep more of their profits.
Beginning Saturday, May 27, Florida families can save on the purchase of eligible disaster preparedness items.
Eligible items available to purchase tax-free include:
- Portable self-powered light source selling for $40 or less;
- Certain portable self-powered, two-way or weather-band radios selling for $50 or less;
- Tarps or other flexible waterproof sheeting selling for $100 or less;
- Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits selling for $100 or less;
- Gas or diesel fuels tanks selling for $50 or less;
- Packages of certain battery types, including AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt or 9-volt, selling for $50 or less;This does NOT include automobile and boat batteries.
- Non-electric food storage cooler selling for $60 or less;
- Portable generators to provide light, communications or preserve food selling for $1,000 or less;
- Reusable ice selling for $20 or less;
- Portable power banks selling for $60 or less;
- Smoke detectors or smoke alarms selling at $70 or less;
- Fire extinguishers selling at $70 or less;
- Carbon monoxide detectors selling at $70 or less;
- Dry dog or cat food 50 lbs or less selling at $100 or less per bag;
- Cans or pouches of pet food selling at $10 or less or equivalent if sold in a box or case;
- Over-the-counter pet medications with a sales price of $100 or less;
- Portable kennels or pet carriers selling at $100 or less;
- Manual can openers selling at $15 or less;
- Leashes, collars and muzzles selling at $20 or less;
- Collapsible or travel-sized food/water bowls selling at $15 or less;
- Cat litter 25 lbs or less selling at $25 or less;
- Cat litter pans selling at $15 or less;
- Pet waste disposable bags selling at $15 or less;
- Pet pads selling at $20 or less;
- Hamster or rabbit substrate selling at $15 or less; and
- Pet beds selling at $40 or less.
The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday has expanded to include common household consumable items with a sales price of $30 or less. Eligible items are:
- Powder, liquid and pod laundry detergents;
- Fabric softener or dryer sheets;
- Stain removers and bleach;
- Toilet paper;
- Paper towels;
- Paper napkins and tissues;
- Facial tissues;
- Hand soap, bar soap and body wash;
- Sunscreen and sunblock;
- Dish soap and powder, liquid or pod dish detergents or rinse agents for dishwashers;
- Cleaning or disinfecting wipes and sprays;
- Hand sanitizer; and
- Trash bags.
Other legislation of note, approved by Governor Desantis is Catalytic Converters. This new law stiffens the penalties for catalytic converter theft and eases the process to prove intent. This legislation mandates that if a person is in the possession of two or more converters, it is assumed that the person knew the devices were stolen, unless a valid explanation is provided. The measure also makes it a third degree felony to purchase, possess, sell or install a stolen catalytic converter or one that has had its identification information removed.
Thank you for your continued involvement in our advocacy and PAC. You are the leaders advocating for Florida’s RV Industry. Our role as advocates is to educate and communicate our message to policymakers through the PAC. By taking part in the PAC, your voice can be heard in this complicated political process. Choosing not to become involved leaves the door open for other groups and interests to control vital aspects of your business. Every contribution to the PAC assists in influencing important political decisions and helps us further the goals of our members.