A tax-free weekend begins Friday to purchase hurricane supplies

With the start of Florida's hurricane season on Thursday, residents can get prepared by purchasing hurricane supplies tax-free this weekend.

The 2017 Disaster Prepardness Sales Tax holiday runs from Friday through Sunday, according to the Department of Revenue.

During this period, qualifying items related to hurricane or disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax.

RELATED:2017 Tampa Bay Times hurricane preparedness guide

The holiday does not apply to the sales of items in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

Qualifying Items:

• Reusable ice (reusable ice packs)

•Any portable self-powered light source (powered by battery, solar, hand-crank or gas): Flashlights, lanterns, candles.

•Any gas or diesel fuel container, including LP gas and kerosene containers

• Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, listed sizes only (excluding automobile and boat batteries): AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, 9-volt

• Coolers and ice chests (food-storage; nonelectrical)

• Tarps

• Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting

• Ground anchor systems

• Tie-down kits

• Bungee cords

• Ratchet straps

• Radios (powered by battery, solar or hand-crank): Two-way, weather band

• Portable generators

• First-aid kits (always exempt)

Check out the Florida Department of Revenue's tip sheet for more specifics about the items eligible for purchase. Also, visit the Florida Department of Revenue website or call Taxpayer Services at (800)-352-3671.