If you’re looking to purchase some expensive items for hurricane season, now is the time.

Everything from flashlights to generators is currently tax-free and there is no limit to the number of qualifying items you can purchase.

Stacey Salmon prepared for the remainder of hurricane season with an afternoon trip to Ace Hardware in Greenacres, Florida.

“I’m in the process of getting a generator for my house,” Salmon said. “Now I want to get a chainsaw because if the trees fall, you can always cut them up.”

She hopes for the best but wants to be prepared for the worst.

“I already have my batteries and flashlights,” Salmon said. “I already have my hurricane windows installed and a new roof.”

She wants to save money on the purchase of expensive materials by taking advantage of the sales tax-free period for disaster preparedness.

“At least there’s a percentage off what you would buy now to prepare for the hurricanes, so you don’t have to pay full price for it. That’s a big help,” Salmon said.

Dave Rich, general manager of Greenacres Ace Hardware, said there are a number of eligible items, including some you might not think of.

“Generators are tax-free, your tarps, your sandbags, batteries, flashlights, the gas cans,” Rich said.

Other popular items include: radios, dry food for dogs and cats, and power banks with rechargeable batteries.

Rich said the store had more customers today than usual.

Shoppers like Salmon said they chose to plan ahead to avoid last-minute chaos before a storm.

“Everyone should take advantage of the tax-free (weekend) and prepare,” Salmon said.

Return policies vary from store to store, so be sure to clarify which items can be returned if necessary.

The tax-free holidays end on September 6th.

Click here to view the full list of tax-free items and other frequently asked questions.

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