Broward County Update
by Chip LaMarca

Hurricane Season Update: Hurricane season is upon us and runs from June 1st to November 1st. Please make sure you know your evacuation route. To prepare for the hurricane season, monitor your local TV and radio for updates. You can visit www.nhc.noaa.gov to stay current on all storm activity. As always, be sure to follow the instructions of local and county officials regarding evacuation and other updates.

The Disaster Preparedness sales tax holiday is back and is running from August 24 to September 6. Items include portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, or weather band radios gas or diesel fuel tanks, batteries, including rechargeable batteries,
listed sizes only: AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6 and 9-volt. Also included are smoke detectors, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors.  You can find more information at FloridaRevenue.com/DisasterPrep

In addition to that, July is Freedom Month which allows consumers to purchase qualifying recreation and outdoor items and admissions to entertainment and cultural events exempt from tax during the 2024 Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday. This sales tax holiday begins Monday, July 1 and extends through Wednesday, July 31. Items include fishing supplies, camping supplies and boating activity supplies. You can find more information at FloridaRevenue.com/FreedomMonth

Additionally, Back to School Sales Tax Holiday will be offered from July 29 to August 11. Items included include: learning aids and jigsaw puzzles selling for $30 or less, most school supplies selling for $50 or less, clothing, and footwear and accessories selling for $100 or less. Computers and related accessories selling for $1,500 or less (when purchased for non-commercial and personal use) are also sales tax free. You can find more information at FloridaRevenue.com/BacktoSchool.

The “My Safe Florida Home” legislation that I was proud to introduce will be starting on July 1 again. The  program allows homeowners to receive a grant from the State to hurricane harden their homes. The important dates to remember for the program are:

1st Low-income homeowners age 60+ Jul 1 – 15
2nd Low-income homeowners Jul 16 – 30
3rd Moderate-income homeowners age 60+ Jul 31 – Aug 14
4th Moderate-income homeowners Aug 15 – 30
5th All other eligible Florida homeowners Augt 31

If you have any questions, you can visit mysafeflhome.com for additional information.

Finally, I have an important update regarding mass communications from our office. Unfortunately, because of campaign rules by the Florida House of Representatives I am unable to use email for mass communications. However, I will continue to share updates in The Light until the campaign ends.

As always, it is an honor to serve you as your State Representative.