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Stock up on Hurricane Preparedness Supplies Tax-Free
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Floridians know all too well that hurricane season has the potential to be catastrophic for our families, friends and communities. Hurricane season begins June 1, and it's vital that we prepare sooner rather than later.
Floridians can purchase hurricane supplies tax-free during the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from May 31 through June 6, 2019. Don't wait until the last minute to prepare!
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Texting While Driving a Primary Offense Beginning in July
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Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, and on May 17, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed an historic bill that cracks down on this harmful practice. Beginning July 1, 2019, texting while driving will be upgraded to a primary offense, finally giving law enforcement the authority to stop and ticket drivers who are texting.
Drivers are still allowed to use their phones for navigation, phone calls and emergency messages. However, drivers will be completely prohibited from using their phones or electronic devices in active school and construction zones, except for in emergency situations.
Individuals who recklessly choose to text while driving will commit a moving violation and be subject to three points on their license in addition to all associated fines.
Before this law, texting while driving only qualified as a secondary offense, meaning that people could not be pulled over solely for texting. Because of this, only 1,654 tickets were issued for this in 2017.
When I was in the House of Representatives, and again last year, I pushed for the common sense ban on texting while driving. I cannot thank Senator Wilton Simpson (R- Trilby), and Representatives Jackie Toledo (R- Tampa) and Emily Slosberg (R- Boca Raton) enough for their tireless effort to finally bring this critical bill across the finish line!
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It's an honor to represent you in the Florida Senate. Thank you for your continued support, input and patience as we work together to make lasting impacts in our community. I'm eager to hear from you throughout the summer so we can hit the ground running for District 8 next Session!
Sincerely,
Senator Keith Perry
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