Florida's statewide sales tax is 6 percent
Florida charges a 6 percent sales tax on most goods and services you buy in the state. This is the base rate that applies everywhere in Florida. However, most counties add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate, so what you actually pay at the register is usually higher than 6 percent.
The total sales tax you pay depends on which county you are in. A purchase in Miami-Dade County will have a different total tax than the same purchase in Duval County, because each county sets its own local rate. When you buy something, the cashier charges you the combined state plus local rate for that location.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your total tax rate includes a local county tax on top of that.
- County sales tax rates range from 0.5 percent to 2 percent depending on where you live, making total rates between 6.5 and 8 percent across the state.
- Sales tax applies to most tangible goods, but not to groceries, prescription medications, or most services.
- The tax is collected by the seller at the point of sale and sent to the Florida Department of Revenue.
How county taxes add to the state rate
Each of Florida's 67 counties has the power to add a local sales tax on top of the 6 percent state rate. These local rates vary widely. Some counties add as little as 0.5 percent, while others add up to 2 percent. This means your total sales tax bill ranges from 6.5 percent in the lowest-tax counties to 8 percent in the highest.
For example, if you buy a $100 item in a county with a 0.5 percent local rate, you pay $6.50 in sales tax (6 percent state plus 0.5 percent local). The same $100 item in a county with a 2 percent local rate costs $8 in sales tax. The difference adds up quickly on larger purchases.
You can find your county's specific rate by looking up your location on the Florida Department of Revenue website or asking a cashier. The rate does not change based on what you buy — it is the same whether you are purchasing clothing, electronics, or furniture.
What items are taxed and what are not
Sales tax in Florida applies to most physical goods you can touch and take home. Clothing, electronics, furniture, toys, and household items are all taxed. However, some common purchases are exempt from sales tax.
Groceries are not taxed in Florida. This includes items like bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and canned goods that you buy at a supermarket. Prescription medications are also exempt. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed, but prescription drugs filled by a pharmacist are not.
Most services are not taxed either. A haircut, a car repair, a doctor visit, or a plumbing job does not have sales tax added. However, some services do get taxed — for example, rental car fees, hotel rooms, and prepared food from restaurants all have sales tax applied.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
If you order something online from a seller outside Florida, you may not see sales tax added at checkout. However, Florida law requires you to pay sales tax on those purchases anyway. This is called use tax, and it applies to items you buy from out-of-state sellers and bring into Florida.
In practice, most people do not pay use tax on individual purchases. Large online retailers like Amazon now collect Florida sales tax automatically at checkout, so you see the tax charged when you order. Smaller sellers may not collect it, leaving the tax obligation to you — though it is rarely enforced for individual shoppers.
If you run a business and buy inventory from out-of-state suppliers, you are responsible for tracking and paying use tax on those purchases. The rate is the same as the sales tax rate for your county.
Who collects and where the money goes
The seller — the store, restaurant, or business you buy from — collects sales tax from you at the point of sale. They hold onto that money and send it to the Florida Department of Revenue on a regular schedule, usually monthly or quarterly depending on the size of the business.
The state keeps the 6 percent portion and distributes the local county portion to each county government. Counties use this money to fund schools, roads, public safety, and other local services. Some counties have passed special sales tax increases for specific purposes, like building a new sports arena or funding transportation projects.
Sales tax on vehicles and large purchases
When you buy a car in Florida, sales tax is calculated on the purchase price and collected at the time of registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles, not at the dealership. The tax rate is the same as your county's combined state and local rate.
If you trade in an old vehicle, the sales tax is calculated on the net amount — the purchase price minus the trade-in value. This can significantly reduce the tax you owe on a new car purchase. You will need to bring your title and registration documents to the dealership so they can process the trade-in correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida have sales tax on groceries?
No. Groceries purchased for home consumption are exempt from sales tax in Florida. This includes fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. Prepared foods from a deli counter or restaurant are taxed, but items you buy from the grocery shelf to cook at home are not.
What is the highest sales tax rate in Florida?
The highest combined rate is 8 percent, found in counties that add a 2 percent local tax to the 6 percent state rate. Some counties with high local rates include Miami-Dade and Broward. You can check your specific county's rate on the Florida Department of Revenue website.
Do I pay sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?
Most services are not taxed in Florida. Haircuts, car repairs, plumbing, and medical visits do not have sales tax. However, some services are taxed — hotel rooms, rental cars, and restaurant meals all include sales tax.
What happens if I buy something online from out of state?
You are supposed to pay use tax on out-of-state purchases brought into Florida at the same rate as sales tax. Large retailers now collect this automatically. For smaller sellers that do not collect it, the tax obligation falls to you, though it is rarely enforced for individual purchases.
Is sales tax included in the price shown on the shelf?
No. The price on the shelf or in an advertisement does not include sales tax. The tax is added at checkout. This is why your total bill is higher than the marked price.