Permanent Sales Tax Exemptions Aim To Help Prepare For Hurricane Season

This year, instead of a Tax Holiday for Emergency Preparedness Items, the Florida Legislature decided to make many of those exemptions permanent. That means residents will no longer have to wait for a specific week or month to purchase storm supplies Tax-Free.

Items included in the new permanent exemption beginning Friday, August 1st, 2025 are as follows: Common household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, and 9-volt). Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Fire extinguishers. Portable generators. Waterproof tarps and flexible waterproof sheeting (1,000 square feet or less). Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits. Portable fuel containers (5 gallons or less). Life jackets and bicycle helmets. Sunscreen and insect repellent.

With peak hurricane activity typically beginning in late August, now is the time to prepare. The City of Hollywood encourages residents to visit: www.hollywoodfl.org/hurricane for up-to-date information on evacuation zones, storm surge maps, shelter locations, and how to create a solid hurricane plan.

These permanent tax exemptions are a welcome step toward making safety more accessible. Take advantage of the savings and make sure you’re ready before the next storm is on the radar.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Stay informed during storms and emergencies with Alert Hollywood. This free notification system sends updates via phone, email, or text about severe weather, police activity, and other urgent events. Register now at: www.hollywoodfl.org/725/Alert-Hollywood. Click the Alert Hollywood logo, then select "Sign Up" to get started.

You’ll receive alerts automatically when the National Weather Service issues warnings—just be sure to opt in for weather notifications. Standard text message rates from your carrier may apply.

Operation Paintbrush Saturday, July 26th, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Noon.

Operation Paintbrush provides up to 20 gallons of high-quality exterior latex paint for free to single-family homeowners and non-profit organizations in Hollywood. All of the latex paint collected through the Broward County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program is recycled into new, high-quality exterior paint which is then provided to participating cities at no cost. Paint can be picked up at the Department of Public Works, located at 1600 South Park Road, Hollywood, Florida 33021, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis while the City's supply lasts. To participate, you must provide your current Driver’s License with Hollywood address and a current utility bill as proof of Hollywood residency. The paint colors offered are off-white, beige, terracotta, gray, and turquoise.

Give your house a makeover with free recycled paint from the City of Hollywood!