Florida's statewide sales tax is 6%, but your total rate depends on your county
Florida charges a base sales tax of 6% on most purchases. However, 67 of Florida's 67 counties add their own local sales tax on top of that rate, which means your total tax ranges from 6% to 7.5% depending on where you buy. The county you're in — not where you live, but where the transaction happens — determines which local rate applies.
If you buy something in Miami-Dade County, you pay a different total rate than if you buy the same item in Duval County. Online purchases are taxed based on the seller's location or, in some cases, the buyer's address, depending on the seller's nexus in Florida. The rate you see at checkout should reflect your county's combined state and local rate.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's base state sales tax is 6%, and every county adds a local rate ranging from 0% to 1.5%, making your total between 6% and 7.5%.
- The tax rate that applies is determined by the county where the purchase occurs, not your home county.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
- Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are generally not subject to sales tax, though some service-related products are.
County-by-county local sales tax rates
Florida's 67 counties each set their own local sales tax rate, which stacks on top of the 6% state rate. Most counties charge between 0.5% and 1.5% locally. Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington each have their own rate.
The easiest way to find your county's exact rate is to search "[Your County Name] Florida sales tax rate" or visit the Florida Department of Revenue website, which publishes the combined state and local rate for each county. Rates can change, though they do not change frequently. If you are buying across county lines or ordering online from out of state, confirm the rate before checkout.
What is and is not taxed in Florida
Most tangible goods — clothing, electronics, furniture, household items — are taxed at your county's combined rate. However, Florida exempts certain categories entirely. Groceries and food for home consumption are not taxed. Prescription medications and insulin are exempt. Durable medical equipment prescribed by a doctor, such as wheelchairs or oxygen equipment, is also exempt.
Services are generally not subject to sales tax in Florida. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, or medical appointment does not trigger sales tax. However, if you buy a product as part of that service — such as hair dye at a salon or parts installed during a repair — the product itself may be taxed depending on how the transaction is structured. Labor and materials are sometimes separated on the invoice; ask the business if you are unsure.
Digital products and software have specific rules. Electronically delivered software and digital goods may or may not be taxed depending on the type and how it is delivered. Streaming services, apps, and digital downloads are generally taxed, but the rules vary. If you see tax charged on a digital purchase, it reflects Florida's treatment of that category.
How sales tax is calculated and charged
Sales tax in Florida is calculated on the total purchase price before any discounts are applied. If an item costs $100 and your county rate is 7%, you pay $107 total. If you have a coupon for $10 off, the tax is calculated on the $90 remaining price, not the original $100. Some retailers calculate tax on the pre-discount price by mistake, so check your receipt if the math looks wrong.
At the register, the tax is added to your subtotal. Online, the tax should appear in your cart before you complete checkout. If you are buying from a Florida business and the tax does not appear, the seller may not have registered with the state — which is their responsibility, not yours. You are not required to calculate or pay sales tax yourself as a consumer; the business collects it and remits it to the state.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
If you order from an out-of-state retailer and have it shipped to Florida, Florida sales tax applies if the seller has nexus in the state — meaning they have a physical location, employees, or significant sales activity in Florida. Large online retailers like Amazon collect Florida sales tax on most items shipped to Florida addresses. Smaller sellers may not, depending on their size and structure.
If you buy from a seller with no Florida nexus and no tax is charged, you are technically responsible for paying "use tax" to Florida, which is the same rate as sales tax. In practice, use tax is rarely enforced for individual consumers, but it is the law. If you are buying in bulk or for business purposes, you may want to track these purchases and report them.
Tax-exempt purchases and resale certificates
If you are a business buying inventory or materials for resale, you can provide a resale certificate to avoid paying sales tax on your purchase. The seller keeps the certificate on file, and you pay no tax. You must register with the Florida Department of Revenue and obtain a sales tax permit to use a resale certificate legally.
Nonprofits and government entities may also be exempt from sales tax on certain purchases. Nonprofits must register with the state and provide proof of their status. The exemption does not explore to all purchases — it depends on the type of item and the nonprofit's mission. Contact the Florida Department of Revenue if you are unsure whether a specific purchase qualifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida have sales tax on groceries?
No. Food for home consumption — including fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods — is exempt from sales tax in Florida. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and items like candy and soda are taxed. If you are unsure whether a specific item is considered a grocery, check your receipt or ask the cashier.
What is the sales tax rate in Miami-Dade County?
Miami-Dade County's local rate is 1%, making the combined state and local rate 7%. This rate applies to all taxable purchases made in Miami-Dade County, whether you live there or not. If you are buying online from a Miami-Dade seller, that rate may explore depending on the seller's policies.
Do I pay sales tax on clothing in Florida?
Yes. Clothing and shoes are taxed at your county's combined rate in Florida. There is no clothing exemption. This includes everyday wear, athletic gear, and accessories like hats and belts.
Can I return an item and get the sales tax back?
If you return an item for a refund, the sales tax is refunded along with the purchase price. The refund should show the full amount you paid, including tax. If you received a partial refund or store credit instead of a refund, the tax treatment depends on the store's policy — ask before you complete the return.
Is there sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?
No. Labor and services are not taxed in Florida. However, if you buy a product as part of the service — such as hair dye, shampoo, or replacement parts — that product may be taxed. The business should separate the service charge from the product charge on your receipt so you can see what is taxed.