HURRICANE SUPPLY SALES TAX HOLIDAY MAY 21 THROUGH JUNE 1

Florida legislators are presently considering a sales tax holiday for pre-hurricane season purchase of storm supplies.

The Florida House reviewed a bill intended to give $42 million in sales tax breaks to purchasers of hurricane supplies for 12 days in annually in the month of May, commencing this year, 2006. The House passed the measure with 117 votes in favor and only one against. The bill was sent on to the Senate, which is expected to approve it. If approved, the legislation proceeds to Governor Jeb Bush for his signature. week.

From May 21 through June 1, Floridians will be able to purchase in limited quantities certain hurricane supplies, as well as unlimited quantities of hurricane shutters and generators free of state sales tax. Sales tax in Florida amounts to between 6% and 7%, depending upon local options.

Included in the bill are electric generators selling for up to $1,000, instead of last year's $500. Storm shutters selling for as much as $200 each are also covered by the bill. Plywood is not included.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week falls immediately before the start of hurricane season on June 1. The tax break was adopted for 2005 during last year's leislative session. This year's bill makes the sales tax holiday an annual event.
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Daniel A. Weiss is a former Attorney Special Master for the Miami-Dade County Value Adjustment Board. Mr. Weiss now represents commercial, institutional charitable, commercial, high-end residential, agricultural and municipal taxpayers at VAB proceedings throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Weiss handles both valuation and legal claims.

Mr. Weiss has over 25 years property tax experience. Mr. Weiss represented the Miami-Dade County taxing authorities in litigation and appeals between 1981 and 1995 as a Miami-Dade Assistant County Attorney and has since represented taxpayers in property tax matters.

In Florida Trend magazine’s “Legal Elite” issue, July 2004, Mr. Weiss was selected by his peers as one of the top 30 government lawyers in the State of Florida.

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