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
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.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — AdventHealth is now accepting applications for its 2026 Community Impact Grants, aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations working to address critical health needs across Central Florida.
The grant program partners with community-based organizations to expand initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term sustainability. Eligible nonprofits serving residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and South Lake counties are encouraged to apply.
Applications are open from March 30 through April 16, with funding expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
FOCUS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS
The grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which identifies key challenges impacting residents’ well-being.
“Our annual Community Impact Grants are guided by Central Florida’s Community Health Needs Assessment to ensure we are investing meaningfully where our neighbors need us most,” said Tricia Edris, senior vice president of innovation and partnerships for AdventHealth Central Florida. “We are honored to align our resources and stand as partners to create measurable, lasting impact across the region.”
PRIORITY AREAS FOR FUNDING
The 2026 grant cycle will focus on three key areas:
- Housing instability
- Transportation
- Food insecurity
These priorities reflect social determinants of health that can significantly influence a person’s ability to live a healthy and stable life. Community organizations often serve as the first line of support for residents facing these challenges.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS
Past grant recipients say the program has helped expand opportunities for residents. Crystal Davidson highlighted the impact of the initiative on workforce development.
“Schools and colleges often don’t have the funding to provide introductory workforce programs that expose students to new career opportunities,” Davidson said. “Through partnership grants like the one AdventHealth is providing, we’re able to give young people hands-on experiences that help them discover their potential and build a path toward a meaningful career.”
AdventHealth will also host an informational webinar to guide organizations through eligibility requirements, funding priorities and the application process. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the AdventHealth website.
