Florida's second tax-free storm supplies period is now. What goes in a hurricane kit?

We're in the middle of hurricane season and already being hit with heavy storms like Tropical Storm Debby.

If you haven't already put together your weather emergency kit, now's the time. Florida's disaster preparedness sales tax holiday is back for a second time this year.

From now until Sept. 6, 2024, you can stock up on hurricane essentials without paying tax on them.

But what exactly should you buy?

Here's what to know about the tax holiday and what you should egt for your hurricane kit?

How does the Florida tax holiday work?

Earlier this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that declared Florida would have two hurricane preparedness tax-free periods.

The first was June 1 through June 14 and the second started Aug. 24 and ends on Sept. 6.

The tax-free holiday doesn't apply to everything you may find in a store ― only supplies that qualify.

What can I buy during the tax-free periods?

Only qualifying items are tax-exempt . Here's the list.

• Self-powered lights of $40 or less.
• Portable self-powered radio, two-way radio or weather-band radio of $50 or less.
• A tarpaulin or other flexible waterproof sheeting with a sales price of $100 or less.
• An item normally sold as, or generally advertised as, a ground anchor system or tie-down kit with a sales price of $100 or less.
• A gas or diesel fuel tank with a sales price of $50 or less.
• A package of AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, with a sales price of $50 or less.
• A nonelectric food storage cooler with a sales price of $60 or less.
• A portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage with a sales price of $3,000 or less.
• Reusable ice with a sales price of $20 or less.
• A portable power bank with a sales price of $60 or less.
• A smoke detector or smoke alarm with a sales price of $70 or less.
• A fire extinguisher with a sales price of $70 or less.
• A carbon monoxide detector with a sales price of $70 or less.

What do I really need to prepare for a hurricane?

There's a ton of supplies to choose from when it comes to preparing for a hurricane. But do you really need all of it?

This is what experts say you need to include in a basic hurricane kit.

• Water, one gallon per person per day for several days.
• Food. Pack non-perishable food for several days at least.
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Batteries
• A signal for help. A whistle, battery-powered mega phone, or emergency alarm will work.
• Dust mask
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape in case you need to shelter in place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or plier to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener
• Local maps
• Cell phone, chargers, and backup battery

How can I track 2024 storms?

Naples Daily News has an interactive storm tracker online where you can see active and archived storms.

The information is sourced from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Florida's second tax-free storm supplies period is now. What goes in a hurricane kit?