Latest news with #DisasterPreparednessSalesTaxHoliday
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida's Hurricane Tax Holiday Delayed Amid Budget Gridlock
For years, Floridians have relied on the state's Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday to help them save money while stocking up for hurricane season. But this year, the tax break is missing, stalled by a budget stalemate in Tallahassee. At Hagan Ace Hardware in Mandarin, shelves are stocked with essentials like batteries, tarps, and flashlights — the very supplies normally exempt from sales tax in early June. Doug Kreie, the store's general manager, said the delay has slightly slowed business. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'When they announced the sales tax, we do see a bump because it reminds people,' Kreie said. The state legislature has yet to approve a final budget. That means the tax holiday, which traditionally begins June 1, hasn't been authorized. Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed two 14-day tax-free periods this year, estimating more than $70 million in savings, but negotiations are only just beginning. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The delay comes as forecasters predict another above-average hurricane season, with up to five major storms possible. And for shoppers like Geoffrey Decker, the uncertainty is frustrating. 'I know it isn't a lot, but it does draw people out to get it done,' Decker said. 'That's what I'm waiting on.' Decker said he's holding off on buying more expensive items until the tax break kicks in, if it does. He's got his list handy. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] 'Batteries, water, pet supplies. God forbid if something does happen, we're prepared. And that's what it's all about,' said Decker. While lawmakers continue to negotiate in the state capital, experts and retailers urge Floridians not to wait. The storms won't delay, even if the legislature does. Kreie said calm weather may also be lulling some into a false sense of security, but now is the time to prepare, tax break or not. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Florida dog found chained during hurricane leads to new law during natural disasters
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed several bills into law aimed at cracking down on animal cruelty, including one inspired by a dog left abandoned during Hurricane Milton in 2024. The measures, named "Trooper's Law" and "Dexter's Law," were signed during a ceremony on Wednesday at a dog rescue facility in South Florida. Trooper's Law makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outside during a natural disaster or the preparedness stage of an emergency. The law is named after a dog who was found chained to a fence along Interstate 75 outside of Tampa during the evacuations ahead of Hurricane Milton. The bull terrier was rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol member and later given the appropriate name of "Trooper." The new law makes similar actions punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Florida Troopers Rescue Dog Tied To Pole Amid Hurricane Milton Floodwaters The other major bill, known as "Dexter's Law," increases criminal penalties for aggravated animal cruelty. Dexter's Law is named after a dog in St. Petersburg, who was killed just days after being adopted. The measure also permits the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to compile a database of people convicted of animal-cruelty offenses. Once operational, the database will be public, allowing users to search for convicted animal cruelty violators. Dexter's Law will go into effect on July 1 and Trooper's Law is expected to go into effect later this year in October. "Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response," said DeSantis. "I was proud to sign Trooper's Law and Dexter's Law today. Florida stands by man's best friend." Construction Crane Crashes Into St. Petersburg Building During Hurricane Milton Despite the flurry of signings Wednesday, several hurricane-related measures remain in limbo with the tropical weather season beginning in just a matter of days. After the destruction caused by a falling crane in a building in downtown St. Petersburg during Hurricane Milton's 100-mph winds, legislators passed a measure requiring construction job sites to secure cranes and other equipment before the arrival of damaging winds. The governor has yet to sign the bill and has given no indication that he intends to do so. Additionally, the legislature has not yet passed the state's annual budget, meaning that tax relief that some shoppers depend on for hurricane supplies is on hold. Florida's Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday allows supplies such as flashlights, batteries, tarps and other needed materials to be sold tax-free during a limited timeframe. Hurricane season in the Atlantic basin begins on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, but Florida is most impacted during September and article source: Florida dog found chained during hurricane leads to new law during natural disasters
