Florida Fire Safety Essentials Are Now Tax-Free – Permanently!

What Homeowners in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties Need to Know About the New Sales Tax Exemptions
Big news, Florida homeowners!

As of August 1, 2025, you no longer have to wait for a weekend tax holiday to stock up on life-saving essentials. Thanks to Florida’s new tax legislation, a long list of fire safety and disaster preparedness items are now permanently exempt from sales tax.

This is a major win for homeowners, especially those in hurricane-prone areas like Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. At Swept Away, we’re not just here to sweep chimneys—we’re here to keep your home safe. This new law makes it easier than ever to prepare.

Let’s unpack what’s included, why it matters, and how you can take full advantage.

📜 What Changed?

A Quick Summary of Florida’s Tax Law Update

According to Florida Department of Revenue TIP 25A01-05, the following items are now permanently exempt from Florida sales tax

🆓 Always Tax-Free Starting 8/1/25:

🔋 Batteries – AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V
🚨 Carbon Monoxide Alarms
🧯 Fire Extinguishers
🦟 Insect Repellent (EPA-registered)
🧳 Ground Anchor & Tie-Down Kits
🔥 Smoke Detectors
📦 Waterproof Tarps (up to 1,000 sq ft)

For a full list of items and tax definitions, read the official publication from the Florida Department of Revenue.

🔥 Why This Is a Big Deal for Florida Homeowners

Each year, Floridians spend hundreds preparing for hurricane season, fire hazards, and power outages. These costs add up, especially if you’re investing in fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, batteries, and generators.
In previous years, these items were only tax-free during short-term holidays like the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday reported by NBC Miami. Now, with permanent exemptions in place, you can prepare any time of year—without the extra cost.

🧯Fire Safety Essentials You Can Buy Tax-Free

Fire Extinguishers-
Tax-exempt fire extinguishers must meet standards defined by Florida Statute 633.102. Whether portable or wheeled, rechargeable or not, these extinguishers must be rated, inspected, and listed by a nationally recognized testing lab, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or the NFPA.
Homeowner Tip: Keep at least one fire extinguisher in the kitchen, garage, and near fireplaces or laundry rooms. Don’t forget to check the expiration date!

Smoke Detectors-
As outlined in Section 83.51 of Florida Statutes, smoke detection devices must be electrical or battery-operated and capable of detecting visible or invisible particles of combustion. These must be lab-certified to qualify.
Swept Away Insight: We often find homes with outdated or missing smoke detectors during chimney inspections. We highly recommend checking your system annually.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms-
CO alarms must produce a distinct audible alarm and be approved by the Florida Building Commission. These are vital for homes with fireplaces, gas dryers, or fuel-burning appliances.
According to the CDC, over 400 Americans die and more than 20,000 visit the ER each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This is one tax exemption you can’t afford to ignore.

Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V)
These are the most common batteries for smoke and CO detectors. They’re now tax-free, so there’s no excuse not to stock up and change your batteries every 6 months.

🌀 Disaster Prep Essentials You Can Now Buy Tax-Free All Year

As Fox 13 Tampa Bay recently reported, these items are essential during hurricane outages.Waterproof Tarps
These are vital for roof protection, window sealing, or post-storm cleanup. As long as they’re 1,000 sq ft or less, they’re tax-free. Store them dry and clean to reuse.

These items might not be the first thing you think of for fire safety, but they’re crucial in emergency evacuations, boating safety, and hurricane response efforts.

Swept Away Pro Tip: Keep an emergency “Go Bag” ready that includes sunscreen, insect repellent, and a flashlight with fresh batteries.

📍 Who Benefits the Most From These Exemptions?

✅ Homeowners with Fireplaces
If you use a wood-burning fireplace, pellet stove, or gas logs, you are at greater risk for fire or CO exposure. Items like fire extinguishers, alarms, and batteries are critical. Let Swept Away Inc. perform a safety inspection to ensure you’re protected.

✅ Homes with Dryer Vents
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 3,000 dryer fires occur annually—many due to clogged vents. You can now stock up on fire extinguishers and alarms to complement your dryer vent cleaning.

🛠️ Make the Most of These Exemptions

Here’s how you can turn these savings into real protection:

Inspect your current smoke and CO detectors – Are they functional and certified?

Replace or recharge fire extinguishers – Ensure every level of your home has one.

Stock up on batteries – Especially if you haven’t changed them in over 6 months.

Schedule your annual chimney or dryer vent inspection – Book Online

🔗 Trusted News Sources & Resources

Florida Department of Revenue: TIP 25A01-05
NBC Miami – Tax-Free Holiday Guide
Fox 13 News Tampa Bay
CDC – CO Poisoning Prevention
U.S. Fire Administration – Fire Statistics

✨ Final Thought
Preparedness isn’t just for storm season — it’s a year-round responsibility. With these tax exemptions now permanent, you can finally invest in fire safety and emergency gear without waiting or overpaying.z
At Swept Away Inc., we’re ready to help you prepare for the unexpected. Let’s work together to keep your family safe, your chimney clean, and your home ready.

📞 Need Help Making Your Home Safer?

At Swept Away Inc., we’ve proudly served Tampa Bay homeowners for over 30 years, helping families prepare for everything from chimney fires to hurricane season.

We offer:

Chimney Sweeping & Inspection
Historic Chimney Restoration
Gas Fireplace Service
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Fire Safety Consultations

Call Now: 727-596-5946
Book Online 24/7: Schedule Here