Hurricane Season Starts June 1

The National Weather Service recognizes the North Atlantic Hurricane Season as officially running from June 1 to the end of November, and now is the time to prepare.  Last year, the Atlantic hurricane season had 15 named storms, and eight of them were strong enough to be classified as hurricanes.  Florida is still recovering from Hurricane Michael, which struck in 2018, and we're still rebuilding from Hurricane Irma in 2017.  This season is expected to be more active than a typical season, according to AccuWeather predictions. 

Stock Up on Supplies During the Tax-Free Holiday 

In order to help Florida families be as prepared as possible for hurricane season, the Legislature created a six-day sales tax holiday for disaster preparedness in our tax cut package.  This tax-free period begins Friday, May 31, and runs through Thursday, June 6, 2019.  Items eligible for purchase include: 

• A portable self-powered light source selling for $20 or less.
• A portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or weather-band radio selling for $50 or less.
• A tarpaulin or other flexible waterproof sheeting selling for $50 or less.
• An item normally sold as, or generally advertised as, a ground anchor system or tie-down kit selling for $50 or less.
• A gas or diesel fuel tank selling for $25 or less.
• A package of AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, selling for $30 or less.
• A nonelectric food storage cooler selling for $30 or less.
• A portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage selling for $750 or less.
• Reusable ice selling for $10 or less.

Get A Plan! 

The Florida Division of Emergency Management is a valuable resource to help you, your family and your business prepare for hurricane season.

Visit flgetaplan.com to learn more or click on the plan below that best suits your needs. 

• Family Plan
• Business Plan
• Special Needs Plan
• Pet Plan

Build a Disaster Supply Kit

To avoid the long lines ahead of a potential, short-noticed storm, it is wise to start building a disaster supply kit.  Below are some items to make sure to purchase for your kit.  Note:  Some of these things can be purchased tax-free during the disaster preparedness holiday.

• Water (at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days)
• Food (at least enough for 3 to 7 days)
• Blankets and pillows, etc.
• Clothing
• First aid kit, including medicines and prescriptions
• Toiletries and hygiene items
• Flashlight and batteries
• Radio
• Cash (Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods)
• Important documents (store in a waterproof container), such as insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. 
• Vehicle fuel tanks, filled
• Pet care items

Know Who to Call for Help

Below is a list of important contact information for hurricane related assistance.  You may consider printing this list and keeping it somewhere safe just in case.

State of Florida Emergency Info 24-hour hotline: 800-342-3557

Safe & Wellness Helpline (to see if people are in a shelter or are OK): 800-733-2767

FEMA Disaster Assistance/Registration: 800-621-3362 or TTY: 800-427-5593

U.S. Small Business Administration: 800-659-2955 or TTY: 800-877-8339

FEMA Fraud Hotline: 800-323-8603

Disaster Unemployment Services: 877-872-5627

Unemployment Compensation Claims: 800-204-2418

Florida Dept. of Financial Services Hurricane Helpline: 800-277-8676

Red Cross Food, Shelter and Financial Assistance: 866-438-4636

Salvation Army Hurricane Relief Information: 888-363-2769

DCF Information: 866-762-2237

Elder Helpline: 800-963-5337

Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline: 866-966-7226

To verify contractor licenses: 850-487-1395

To report unlicensed activity - Agricultural and Consumer Services: 866-532-1440