Business
Gov. DeSantis Encourages Floridians to Prepare for Hurricane Season Ahead of Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), and the Florida Department of Revenue are encouraging Floridians to prepare for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season by taking advantage of the 2021 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which runs from Friday, May 28, through Sunday, June 6.
The 2021 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is a ten-day sales tax holiday for disaster preparedness supplies. Supplies that will be tax-free include flashlights, radios, tarps, batteries, and generators. A full list of tax-free items is included at the botton of this post.
“With an active hurricane season predicted this year, Floridians need to ensure they have at least seven days of supplies and put a disaster plan in place now,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This year, the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday has been extended to 10 days to provide more opportunities for Floridians to take advantage of this sales tax holiday and stock up on disaster preparedness supplies.”
“Florida is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical storms. With hurricane season rapidly approaching on June 1st, it is critical for Floridians to make the necessary preparations to stay safe before, during, and after any natural disaster,” said Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “I urge residents to take advantage of the 2021 Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday, a tax relief on the necessary supplies to weather the storm.”
“The Division is preparing for an active hurricane season this year and I’m encouraging all Floridians to do the same,” said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. “Having a stocked disaster supply kit is a vital component of individual hurricane preparedness. This ten-day sales tax holiday can assist Floridians stock up ahead of hurricane season, while also saving money on critical supplies.”
“The approach of hurricane season is an excellent reminder to prepare not just for storms, but for all potential disasters,” said Jim Zingale, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue. “The 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is an excellent opportunity for Floridians to save money while gathering the supplies they need to be safe.”
The Division recommends that all Floridians have a disaster supply kit with enough supplies for at least seven days.
The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. For more information on how to develop a plan for hurricane season and what items to include in a disaster supply kit, visit FloridaDisaster.org/PlanPrepare.
House Bill 7061, which included the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor DeSantis on May 21. Floridians are estimated to save $10.5 million on critical disaster preparedness supplies.
Some Quick Facts:
- Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday began in 2014.
- The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs from Friday, May 28 through Sunday, June 6, 2021.
- Typically a seven-day holiday, this year has been extended to 10 days.
- Examples of tax-free items include flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less; radios costing $50 or less; tarps costing $100 or less, coolers costing $60 or less, batteries costing $50 or less; and generators costing $1,000 or less.
- Following the impact of a hurricane, residents may lose access to basic services, such as power and water, and be subject to limited or no access to essentials like food, drinking water and medicine. With these situations in mind, all individuals and families are encouraged to stock up on essentials and build a disaster supply kit to last for a minimum of seven days.
- Floridians can find a full checklist of what to have in their disaster supply kit at www.FloridaDisaster.org/Kit
DAVIE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his family received a life-changing gift on June 11 when they were presented with a fully refurbished vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
The donation was made possible through a partnership between vehicle donor Allstate, repair partner Crash Champions, and several industry sponsors. The presentation took place at Crash Champions’ Davie, Florida, collision repair center.
Veteran Receives Reliable Transportation
The recipient, Sergio Hernandez, was nominated by the Wounded Warrior Project, one of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
Hernandez and his wife received a refurbished 2018 Toyota RAV4 donated by Allstate and restored by Crash Champions technicians.
“This vehicle is beautiful, super clean, just near mint,” Hernandez said. “Reliability is a huge thing. This will take a burden off our shoulders not having to worry about maintenance or any of the issues we were having with prior vehicles. I’m truly grateful for it.”
From Military Service to Civilian Life
Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 2015, with assignments in South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. During his service, he suffered a back injury that required extensive therapy and rehabilitation.
After leaving the military, Hernandez used GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. However, transportation challenges remained a significant obstacle for his growing family.
With a non-operational vehicle and mounting repair costs, reliable transportation had become a pressing need. The donated vehicle will help Hernandez commute to work, attend family appointments and provide safe transportation for his wife and two young children.
Industry Partners Make a Difference
Allstate has donated more than 300 vehicles through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the program’s largest vehicle donors.
Crash Champions has also played a major role, gifting more than 250 vehicles to individuals and organizations in need through the initiative.
Additional partners supporting the donation included Enterprise, Tire Kingdom, AutoZone, J&A Auto Restore, ATE, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and Cars for Charity.
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
Business
Walmart’s Road to Open Call Returns to Orlando, Offering Small Businesses Access to National Retail Opportunities
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Walmart, in partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando, will host the 2026 Walmart Road to Open Call pitch event on May 21 in Orlando, offering small businesses the opportunity to present their products directly to Walmart buyers.
The Orlando event is the only Florida stop in 2026 and is part of a nationwide initiative designed to support small business growth, expand supplier diversity and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Road to Open Call serves as a pathway for entrepreneurs to connect with Walmart’s sourcing team, refine their pitches and prepare for the company’s annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Applications are open through May 1 at 10 p.m. EST. A select group of applicants will be chosen to participate in the Orlando event, where each business will receive a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart buyer, along with feedback and mentorship.
Top participants may earn a fast pass to Walmart’s annual Open Call, where they can pitch for potential placement in Walmart stores or online.
FOCUS ON U.S.-MADE PRODUCTS
Walmart’s Open Call is the company’s largest sourcing event for products made, grown or assembled in the United States. The program is open to businesses across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety and consumer goods.
“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, senior director of public affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our sourcing teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”
LOCAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Local leaders say the initiative strengthens both entrepreneurship and the regional economy.
“We are proud to join forces with Walmart for the second consecutive year to bring this opportunity to the business community,” said Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando. “This initiative supports entrepreneurs and helps small businesses access national retail opportunities.”
Since launching in 2014, Walmart’s Open Call has helped thousands of small and midsize businesses become suppliers, while more than 85% of Walmart shoppers report valuing U.S.-made products.
