Smart Planning to Weather the Storm

Hurricane Season: A Yearly Reality for Brevard and Beyond

Living on Florida’s Space Coast means hurricanes, tropical storms, and emergency alerts are a part of life. Preparation is essential—not just for peace of mind, but for the safety of you and your loved ones. Smart preparation saves money and time – both can be in short supply not just before a storm but all year long!

The 2025 hurricane season peaks in just a few days and continues through October. That means now is the time to plan and prepare with confidence.

Good News: Hurricane Supplies Are Now Tax-Free Year-Round!

Thanks to recent legislation, many essential disaster preparedness items are permanently exempt from Florida sales tax. Whether you’re stocking up in advance or replacing expired gear, you can do it tax-free – any time of the year.

Here’s a list of tax-exempt items that every Brevard County household should keep on hand to stay safe and ready:

Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt)
Portable generators (10 kW or less)
Fire extinguishers
Smoke detectors
Carbon monoxide alarms
Ground anchor and tie-down kits (for mobile homes or outdoor structures)
Waterproof tarps (up to 1,000 sq ft)
Fuel containers (gas or diesel, up to 5 gallons)
Insect repellent
Sunscreen (UV-protective formulas)
Life jackets (U.S. Coast Guard approved)
Bicycle helmets (especially useful during evacuations or for kids)

For the full list of tax-free items, visit the official Florida Department of Revenue guide here: https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_25A01-05.pdf

Don’t Forget These Essentials:

In addition to tax-free supplies, make sure your emergency plan includes:

Food and water for at least 3–7 days
Communication tools (battery-powered radio, cell phone chargers)
Special needs items for infants, seniors, and people with disabilities
First aid kit and medications
Vehicle readiness (gas, emergency car kit, charging needs)
Pet care supplies
Important documents in waterproof storage

Download a complete checklist from the Florida Department of Health here: https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/prepare-yourself/build-a-kit/

Hurricanes Don’t Follow a Calendar—Now, Your Prep Doesn’t Have To

Stay safe. Stay ready. Plan ahead.

Let’s keep Brevard County resilient, prepared, and strong—no matter what the season brings.

Sources:

Florida Department of Revenue (2025). https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_25A01-05.pdf

Florida Department of Health (2025). https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/prepare-yourself/build-a-kit/