Florida's statewide sales tax is 6 percent, but your total rate depends on what you buy and which county you're in

Florida charges a base sales tax of 6 percent on most goods and services. However, counties can add their own tax on top of that, so the final rate you pay ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on where you shop. Some products are taxed differently or not taxed at all, which means the same item can cost different amounts in different places.

The tax is collected at the point of sale — the cashier adds it to your bill. You do not pay it separately or file it yourself as a consumer. If you are buying something online from a Florida seller, the tax is usually included in the checkout total.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's base sales tax is 6 percent, but most counties add 0.5 to 1.5 percent on top, bringing your total to between 6 and 7.5 percent.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are not subject to sales tax in Florida.
  • Restaurant meals, prepared foods, and alcohol are taxed at the full rate in your county.
  • The tax rate varies by county, so the same item costs different amounts depending on where you buy it in Florida.

County-by-county rates across Florida

Florida's 67 counties each set their own additional sales tax on top of the 6 percent state rate. Most counties add between 0.5 and 1.5 percent. The largest counties — Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Orange, and Duval — each have different rates, so if you live in or near one of these areas, check your specific county.

Miami-Dade County charges 7 percent total (6 percent state plus 1 percent county). Broward County is also 7 percent. Hillsborough County (Tampa area) is 7.5 percent, the highest in the state. Orange County (Orlando area) is 6.5 percent. Duval County (Jacksonville area) is 7 percent. If you live in a smaller county, your rate is likely 6.5 or 7 percent, but it is worth confirming with your county tax collector's office or checking the receipt from your last purchase.

What is and is not taxed in Florida

Not everything you buy in Florida is subject to sales tax. Groceries — food you cook at home — are not taxed. This includes bread, milk, eggs, vegetables, meat, and canned goods. However, prepared foods and restaurant meals are taxed at the full rate. If you buy a rotisserie chicken from a grocery store deli counter, it is taxed. If you buy a raw chicken to cook at home, it is not.

Prescription medications are not taxed in Florida. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, canes, and diabetic supplies are not taxed if prescribed by a doctor. Vitamins and supplements are taxed because they are not considered medications.

Clothing and shoes are taxed in Florida, unlike some other states. There is no clothing exemption. Services are generally not taxed — haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing work do not have sales tax added. However, some services bundled with products (like installation) may be taxed depending on how the business structures the charge.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

If you buy something online from a Florida business, the seller must collect and send Florida sales tax to the state. The tax is added at checkout based on the address where the item is being shipped. If you have it shipped to a Miami address, you pay Miami-Dade's rate. If you have it shipped to a Tampa address, you pay Hillsborough's rate.

If you buy from an out-of-state seller — a company based in another state — the rules are more complicated. Large online retailers like Amazon and Walmart collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to Florida addresses. Smaller sellers may not. As a consumer, you are not responsible for tracking this or paying tax later; the seller either collects it or does not. If you are concerned about a specific purchase, check the receipt or contact the seller's customer service.

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. The rate is the same as your county's general sales tax rate. If you buy a used car from a private seller, you still owe sales tax when you register it — you cannot avoid it by buying privately instead of from a dealer.

If you trade in a vehicle, the sales tax is calculated on the net amount — the sale price minus the trade-in value. So if you buy a car for $20,000 and trade in a vehicle worth $5,000, you pay tax on $15,000, not the full $20,000. This applies whether you buy from a dealer or a private seller.

How to find your county's exact rate

The easiest way to find your county's sales tax rate is to look at a recent receipt from a purchase in your area. The tax rate is usually printed on the receipt. You can also call your county's tax collector's office — search online for "[Your County Name] Florida tax collector" and they can tell you the rate in seconds.

The Florida Department of Revenue maintains a list of all county rates on its website, but the quickest method for most people is the receipt check or a phone call. Rates do not change often, but they can shift if a county votes to adjust its additional tax, so if you have not checked in several years, it is worth confirming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Florida sales tax higher than other states?

Florida's 6 to 7.5 percent range is moderate compared to other states. Some states have no sales tax at all (like Texas and Tennessee have higher rates). The difference matters most if you buy a lot of taxed items, but groceries and medications are not taxed in Florida, which saves money for many households.

Do I pay sales tax on used items bought from individuals?

No. If you buy a used item from another person — a used couch on Facebook Marketplace, a used book at a garage sale — there is no sales tax. Sales tax applies only to sales by businesses. Private sales between individuals are not taxed.

What if I buy something in one county and use it in another?

You pay the sales tax rate of the county where you make the purchase, not where you use the item. If you buy something in Orange County (6.5 percent) and take it home to Hillsborough County (7.5 percent), you paid Orange County's rate. There is no additional tax when you cross county lines.

Are digital products like apps and e-books taxed?

Yes. Digital products including e-books, apps, streaming services, and digital downloads are subject to Florida sales tax. The tax is based on the address you provide when you make the purchase.

Do I owe sales tax on items I buy for my business?

Yes, unless you have a resale certificate. If you buy items to resell them, you can provide a resale certificate to the seller and avoid paying sales tax at purchase. You then owe sales tax when you sell the item to your customer. If you buy items for business use (supplies, equipment), you pay sales tax like any other buyer.