MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — With Mardi Gras behind us, the Mobile County Commission encourages residents to shift from celebration to preparation during Alabama’s annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.
This year, the tax-free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, and ends 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.
During the three-day tax holiday, qualifying emergency preparedness items may be purchased without Alabama state sales tax, and without Mobile County or municipal sales taxes in participating jurisdictions.
Examples of tax-exempt items include:
- Portable generator and power cords (single purchase of $1,564 or less)
- Preparedness items (individually valued at $94 or less):
- Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 6-volt, and 9-volt)
- Cell phone chargers
- Emergency ladders
- Fire extinguishers
- First Aid kits
- Flashlights and lanterns
- Gas containers
- Non-electric food storage coolers and reusable ice packs
- Portable power cords
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Tarps, duct tape, and tie-down supplies
- Weather radios
A full list of qualifying and non-qualifying items is available at Alabama Department of Revenue. Certain items are not eligible, including vehicles, firearms, ammunition, auto or boat batteries, and services. All exemptions are governed by rules established by the Alabama Department of Revenue, which administers the holiday statewide.
As Mobile County prepares to enter severe weather season, this annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday provides a smart opportunity to update emergency kits, replace depleted supplies, and ensure households are ready for hurricanes and other severe storms.