The prices of diapers and incontinence supplies were already expensive, and they have gone up as the pandemic continues. The prices will continue to rise as manufactures face supply chain problems and worker shortages.
According to the parenting resource BabyCenter, parents using disposable diapers spend on average $72 a month per child, meaning they would save about $52 a year with the 6% sales tax exemption that is being proposed in Florida.
Local parent Jasmine Brown, mother of three, said that Senate Bill 246 would make her financial burden a little easier by making diapers and other similar products tax-free.
“Diapers are the most expensive thing that I have to pay for when it comes to my two youngest children,” Brown said. “Forty-five dollars once a week times that by two, you’re looking at a huge expense. If this bill is passed, I would be the happiest mother alive.”
Brown is not alone.
Jessica Miller, a soon to be mother, said that if it wasn’t for her family and friends at her recent baby shower, she would have been out of a lot of cash.
“My mother bought me three giant boxes of diapers, and it was about $250. That is just outrageous,” Miller said. “I never knew how expensive diapers were until now. I feel for all of the mothers out there.”
SB 246, filed by Lauren Book, D-Miami, would eliminate sales tax for all Floridians when purchasing diapers and incontinence undergarments.
According to the bill text, “Tax exemption for diapers and incontinence products; Exempting the sale for human use of diapers, incontinence undergarments, incontinence pads, or incontinence liners from the sales and use tax.”
If passed, their proposal would make Florida the 16th state to remove sales tax charges for these products.
SB 246 could benefit thousands of Floridans, by helping them to save money that they spend on diapers and incontinence products.
Elderly or disabled individuals have found it hard to keep up with supplies as they often learn that the cost adds up quickly. Fortunately, when prescribed by a doctor, that expense is deductible. However, some Floridians have to pay full price.
Loretta Thomas, 58, said that when she goes to her local store to get incontinence supplies, she knows that she’s about to spend at least $40 for the entire week.
“It’s one of those costs that just doesn’t go away,” Thomas said. “It’s a necessity, and it’s mandatory, and it’s a cost that you’ll have for years.”
SB 246 was introduced Jan.11 and has been referred to Commerce and Tourism, Finance and Tax, and Appropriations committees.