Montgomery, AL – With Alabama’s spring tornado season approaching, Governor Kay Ivey is encouraging residents and businesses statewide to prepare by taking advantage of the 2026 Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, scheduled for Friday, February 20, through Sunday, February 22.
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on February 20 and ending at midnight on February 22, shoppers can purchase eligible severe weather preparedness supplies free from the state’s sales tax. Many local governments across Alabama are also participating by waiving local sales taxes on covered items during the same period.
“In Alabama, we experience just about every kind of weather you can imagine – winter cold snaps, spring tornadoes, summer hurricanes, flooding rains and plenty of sunshine in between,” Governor Ivey said. “We can’t control the forecast, but we can control how prepared we are for the unknown. This sales tax holiday gives every Alabama family the opportunity to get ready, rain or shine, and that diligence can make all the difference.”
Alabama experiences severe weather year-round, with one of the most active periods typically occurring from March through May. State officials say the annual tax holiday is timed to allow residents to prepare ahead of peak spring weather conditions.
Eligible items include essential emergency supplies priced at $94 or less, such as flashlights, batteries, weather radios and first-aid kits. Portable generators priced at $1,564 or less also qualify for the tax exemption during the holiday.
Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Jeff Smitherman said the tax holiday provides an opportunity for residents to strengthen their readiness for potential severe weather.
“Severe weather can happen anytime, but preparation can make all the difference,” Smitherman said. “This sales tax holiday is the perfect opportunity to gather the necessary supplies to better prepare your family for the upcoming severe weather season. Being prepared is the first step to building a more resilient Alabama.”
Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner Vernon Barnett also encouraged residents to take advantage of the annual savings.
“This is an annual opportunity, and it arrives at an ideal time for families across Alabama,” Barnett said. “I urge residents to take advantage of this weekend to buy critical safety supplies that help keep you and your loved ones safe during severe weather and enjoy the savings that come with it.”
Residents can check whether their local city or county is participating in the tax holiday by visiting:
https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/alabama-severe-weather-preparedness-sales-tax-holiday/
A full list of eligible tax-free items is available in the official fact sheet at:
https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Severe-Weather-Sales-Tax-Holiday-Fact-Sheet.pdf
