Montgomery, AL – From Friday, Feb. 21, to Sunday, Feb. 23, Alabama will observe its 14th annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, providing residents with an opportunity to restock essential emergency supplies tax-free. The Alabama Retail Association encourages individuals and businesses to take advantage of the savings by preparing for severe weather before it strikes.
During this three-day event, certain emergency preparedness items will be exempt from Alabama’s 4% state sales tax, and in some cities and counties, local taxes will also be waived. Shoppers in participating areas can save up to 10% on qualifying purchases.
Tax-Free Emergency Items
From 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 21 through midnight on Feb. 23, the following items priced at $60 or less will be tax-exempt:
- Flashlights, lanterns
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radios
- Batteries
- First-aid kits
- Cell phone chargers
- Two-way radios
- Manual can openers
- Tarps and plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Fire extinguishers
- Tie-down kits, bungee cords, or rope
Additional tax-free items include coolers, ice packs, plywood, window film, and smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. Larger emergency preparedness items such as portable generators and power cords priced at $1,000 or lesswill also be tax-free.
Local Businesses Ready to Assist
Local hardware stores are gearing up to help their communities prepare. Frank Davies, owner of Little Hardware in Mountain Brook, noted that many people tend to wait until after a storm hits to buy supplies. “They don’t prepare. They wait until it happens and then scramble,” Davies said.
Other local hardware stores ready to supply emergency essentials include:
- Planters Hardware – Ashland
- Andrews ACE Hardware – Chatom
- Greenville Hardware – Greenville
- Mary Carter Store – Cullman
- Rocky Ridge Hardware – Vestavia Hills
- Consolidated Ace Hardware – Dothan and Ozark
- Holley True Value – Selma
“Severe weather can occur at any time, in any season,” said Alabama Retail President Rick Brown. “This February tax holiday helps Alabama consumers remember to stock and prepare emergency kits to be ready when storms strike.”
Alabama is one of at least three states offering a severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday in 2025. Texas will hold its event from April 26-28, and Virginia’s will take place Aug. 1-3. Florida’s disaster preparedness tax holiday is determined annually by the state legislature.
To check if your city or county is participating, visit the Alabama Retail Association’s website for a full list of tax-free items and local exemptions.
