Alabamians will be able to stock up on emergency supplies while saving money during the state’s Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, set for Feb. 20-22.

The annual tax-free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, and runs through midnight Sunday, Feb. 22. During the three days, qualifying preparedness items can be purchased without the state’s 4% sales tax. Most cities and counties also opt in to waive local sales taxes, though participation can vary by municipality.

The 2026 holiday arrives with expanded exemption limits following legislation approved during the 2025 session. The Alabama Retail Association advocated for updates that increased dollar thresholds and indexed them to the Consumer Price Index, allowing the holiday to better reflect current costs.

As a result, shoppers can buy severe weather preparedness supplies priced at less than $94 per item without paying sales tax. Portable generators and power cords priced at less than $1,564 are also exempt. In previous years, exemption limits were capped at $60 for supplies and $1,000 for generators.

“By updating these exemption limits to better reflect today’s costs, lawmakers ensured that this sales tax holiday continues to provide meaningful savings for Alabama families,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown in a news release. “These changes help consumers purchase the items they need while also supporting Alabama retailers in their local communities. A true win-win.”

Retailers across the state are preparing for increased demand and encouraging customers to plan ahead as Alabama enters peak severe weather season.

“Recent severe weather across Alabama has been a reminder that preparation can make all the difference,” said David Majure of Southeast Ace Hardware. “This tax-free weekend helps families afford critical supplies, and our stores are ready to help customers find the right products to protect their homes and loved ones.”

Eligible items priced at $94 or less per item include:

AAA-cell batteries, AA-cell batteries, C-cell batteries, D-cell batteries, 6-volt batteries and 9-volt batteries; cellular phone batteries and cellular phone chargers; carbon monoxide detectors; duct tape; fire extinguishers; smoke detectors; tarpaulin; plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths and other flexible waterproof sheeting; plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window coverings; ground anchor systems such as bungee cords, rope or tie-down kits; gas or diesel fuel tanks or containers; non-electric food storage coolers and non-electric water storage containers; non-electric can openers; artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs and reusable ice; self-contained first-aid kits; portable self-powered or battery-powered radios including two-way radios, weatherband radios and NOAA weather radios; portable self-powered light sources including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns and emergency glow sticks.

Non-eligible items include:

Coin batteries; automobile batteries; boat batteries.

Generator exemption:

A single purchase with a sales price of $1,564 or less is eligible for the exemption if it includes any portable generator and related power cords used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage.

While Baldwin County is participating, some cities and towns may not participate or may limit participation. A full list of participating cities and counties offering local sales tax exemptions, along with additional details, is available at https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/alabama-severe-weather-preparedness-sales-tax-holiday/.