Why Preparedness Matters More Than Ever

📌 Why Preparedness Matters More Than Ever During a Time of Weather Volatility

With hurricane season underway and extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, now is the time to take preparedness seriously. From record-breaking heatwaves and flash flooding to intensifying storms along the coast, today’s climate landscape is marked by unprecedented volatility—a level of unpredictability that demands proactive planning.

📈 Rising Risk: Why Natural Disaster Preparation is No Longer Seasonal

Historically, emergency readiness was centered around predictable windows—hurricane season in the Southeast, wildfire season in the West, nor’easters in the Northeast. But over the past decade, that rhythm has changed. Disasters are striking harder, faster, and more often outside of traditional patterns.

This “new normal” calls for a mindset shift: preparedness is no longer a box to check before a storm—it’s a year-round business and household priority.

🧰 Relief for Floridians: Tax-Free Essentials Under Senate Bill 2500

Florida recently took action with Senate Bill 2500, which went into effect on July 1, 2025, delivering the largest recurring tax cut in state history. This legislation permanently eliminates sales tax on a wide range of hurricane and disaster-preparedness supplies—making it easier and more affordable for residents and businesses to build robust emergency kits.

Eligible tax-exempt items now include:

• Batteries, fire extinguishers, smoke & carbon monoxide alarms

• Portable generators, gas cans, tie-down kits, tarps

• Life jackets, insect repellent, sunscreen, and bicycle helmets

• Gold, silver, and platinum bullion (no longer subject to the $500 threshold)

Additional relief includes a back-to-school sales tax holiday in August and the elimination of the commercial rental tax starting October 2025.

⚠️ Preparedness: A Business Imperative for Risk Managers

For insurers, property owners, and risk professionals, these changes underscore the importance of staying ahead of seasonal threats and ensuring policyholders, tenants, and clients are equipped to handle emergencies. Whether it's equipping your buildings with generators and emergency lighting or encouraging policyholders to review their storm preparedness plans, this legislation supports a safer, more resilient Florida.

✅ Take Action:

• Review and update your emergency supply kits

• Educate staff or clients about tax-free purchasing opportunities

• Plan for the upcoming back-to-school tax holiday

• Factor future savings from the commercial rental tax cut into your business strategy

At Tri-State Claims Administrators, we understand that preparedness isn’t just good practice—it’s a core part of risk mitigation. We’re proud to support our clients with timely guidance and strategic claims management services designed to protect what matters most.

🌀 For help with commercial property claims before, during, or after the storm—visit www.tscadmins.com