Additional Hurricane Tax Free Holiday

 

Weston • Pembroke Pines • Southwest Ranches • Davie • Sunrise • Miramar It is important to be prepared and stay prepared during the Tropical Storm and Hurricane Season that runs from June 1st to November 30th. Knowing the risks of a hurricane (rain, wind, storm surge, flooding), developing an evacuation plan, creating an emergency kit with items such as food, water, batteries, flashlights, cash and medication, and following weather forecasts and alerts is an important part in being ready. Just in case you have not prepared, the Florida Legislature added an additional Hurricane Preparedness Tax Holiday from August 26 to September 8. Items that can be purchased tax-free during this time period include:  Flashlights $40 or less Certain portable weather-band radios $50 or less Tarps or waterproof sheets $100 or less Tie-down kits $100 or less Gas or Diesel fuel tanks $50 or less Certain types of batteries including AA-Cell, AAA-Cell, and others for $50 or less Food storage coolers $60 or less  Portable generators that provide light, communication, or food preservation for $1000 or less  Reusable ice for $20 or less Portable power supplies for $60 or less Smoke detectors and alarms for $70 or less Fire Extinguishers at $70 or less Carbon Monoxide detectors at $70 or less Dry dog or cat food 50 lbs. for $70 or less Cans or pouches of pet food at $10 or less Over-the-counter pet medications at $100 or less Portable kennels or pet carriers selling at $100 or less Manual can openers at $15 or less Leashes, collars, or muzzles at $20 or less Collapsible or travel-sized food/water bowls at $15 or less Cat litter 25 lbs. or less for $25 or less Cat litter pans selling at $15 or less Pet waste disposable bags for $15 or less Pet pads at $20 or less Hamster or rabbit substrate at $15 or less Pet beds at $40 or less This year, the Florida Legislature increased eligibility and funding for the My Safe Florida Home program. This program matches funds up to $10,000 for qualified homeowners to make renovations to better withstand wind and rain caused by hurricanes. The grant matches $2 for every $1 spent on the home by the recipient.    Eligible projects include:  Upgraded roof coverings, roof deck attachments, roof to wall connections, and secondary water barriers for the roof Exterior door upgrades Window upgrades Garage door upgrades To be eligible:  You must provide proof of receiving a homestead exemption  Must provide documentation that your home is insured for $500,000 or less The home must be in the wind-borne region of Florida The initial building permit must have been issues prior to January 1, 2008 Must also allow the house to reinspected after construction   To see guidelines, prices, and apply visit the My Safe Florida Home website. This program is given on a first come first serve basis, so make sure to apply today.  My Safe Florida Home Website To receive a wellness call from the Vulnerable Population Registry before a hurricane: call (954)831-4000 Broward Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs Registry: call (954) 831-3902 Disaster Assistance: call 1-877-693-5236 Broward County Emergency Management: call (954)831-3900 Broward County Hurricane Hotline: call (954)831-4000 or 311 The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is a toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3557 activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting the State of Florida. Visit PrepareFL.com for information on starting a disaster plan, navigating the flood insurance claims process, assignment of benefits process, what to expect after filing a homeowners' insurance claim, and more.  Florida Department of Financial Services Insurance Consumer Helpline: call 1(877)693-5236 Department of Financial Services Storm Hotline: call 1(800)227-8676 The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) encourages consumers to make sure they are covered in case of a natural disaster. Visit FLOIR.com for more information on insurances. Broward Hurricane Resources Remember, planning ahead and being prepared can save lives and property when disaster strikes. Please feel free to reach out to me for help, to answer any questions, address any of your concerns, and I would love to hear your ideas. You can contact me at (954) 668-3662 or robin.bartleman@myfloridahouse.gov. Thank you, Representative  Robin Bartleman House District 103 robin.bartleman@myfloridahouse.gov (954) 668-3662       Legislative Aide Savannah Peifer savannah.peifer@myfloridahouse.gov (850)717-5103 District Aide Stephanie Perret-Gentil Habla Español s.perretgentil@myfloridahouse.gov (954) 424-6828