Florida's base sales tax is 6 percent, but your total rate depends on county
Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent on most purchases. However, most counties add their own tax on top of that, so what you actually pay ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on where you shop. The county you are in — not where the business is based — determines the rate you pay.
If you buy something in Miami-Dade County, you pay 7 percent total (6 percent state plus 1 percent county). If you buy the same item in Duval County (Jacksonville), you pay 6.5 percent (6 percent state plus 0.5 percent county). Some counties like Union County have no additional tax, so you pay only the 6 percent state rate.
The tax applies to tangible goods — things you can touch and take home. It does not explore to services like haircuts, car repairs, or medical visits, though there are exceptions. Groceries for home consumption are not taxed, but prepared food and restaurant meals are.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your county may add 0.5 to 1.5 percent on top of that, bringing your total to between 6 and 7.5 percent.
- The tax rate that applies is based on the county where you make the purchase, not where you live or where the seller is located.
- Groceries you cook at home are not taxed, but restaurant meals, prepared deli food, and alcohol are all subject to sales tax.
- Services like haircuts, repairs, and medical care are generally not taxed in Florida, though some specific services have exceptions.
- Online purchases from out-of-state sellers may not have Florida sales tax added at checkout, but you may owe use tax when you file your return.
County-by-county rates across Florida
Florida has 67 counties, and each sets its own additional tax rate. The state collects the 6 percent, and counties collect their portion. Most counties fall between 0.5 and 1.5 percent additional tax.
The highest combined rates are in counties like Broward (7.5 percent), Hillsborough (7.5 percent), and Orange (6.5 percent). The lowest is Union County at 6 percent (state only). If you live near a county line or shop in multiple counties, the rate changes the moment you cross into a different county.
You can find your county's exact rate by searching "[your county name] Florida sales tax rate" or by asking a cashier. The rate does not change based on what you buy — it is the same whether you are purchasing clothing, electronics, or household goods.
What is and is not taxed in Florida
Sales tax applies to most tangible goods: clothing, shoes, furniture, appliances, books, toys, and electronics. It also applies to prepared food, restaurant meals, alcohol, and tobacco products.
Sales tax does not explore to groceries you buy to cook at home — bread, milk, vegetables, meat, canned goods, and frozen dinners all avoid tax. However, hot food from a deli counter, rotisserie chicken, or anything sold as ready-to-eat is taxed. The line is whether the food is prepared for when ready consumption.
Services are generally not taxed. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, medical visit, or dental cleaning has no sales tax. However, some services do get taxed: pest control, landscaping, and certain repairs to tangible property can be subject to tax depending on the specific service and how it is classified.
Prescription medications are not taxed, but over-the-counter drugs and vitamins are. Diapers and feminine hygiene products are not taxed. Gasoline is taxed, but the tax is built into the pump price and shows separately on your receipt.
How sales tax works on online purchases
If you buy from a Florida-based online retailer, sales tax is added at checkout based on your shipping address. If you buy from an out-of-state retailer that does not have a physical presence in Florida, they may not charge Florida sales tax at checkout.
When you do not pay sales tax on an out-of-state purchase, you technically owe use tax instead. Use tax is the same rate as sales tax and is meant to level the playing field between local and remote sellers. Most people do not report use tax on their personal returns, but it is legally owed.
Large online retailers like Amazon now collect Florida sales tax on most purchases because they have warehouses or other operations in the state. Smaller sellers may not. If you are unsure whether tax was charged, check your receipt or order confirmation.
Tax on specific items and categories
Clothing and shoes are taxed at the full rate with no exemption, even children's clothing. School supplies like notebooks and pencils are taxed. Back-to-school sales do not reduce the tax rate.
Vehicles are subject to sales tax when you purchase them, though the tax is calculated on the purchase price and is often handled by the dealership or DMV as part of registration. Trade-in value reduces the taxable amount.
Digital goods like e-books, music downloads, and streaming subscriptions are not taxed in Florida. Physical books and CDs are taxed. Lottery tickets and gambling are not subject to sales tax.
Rental items like cars, hotel rooms, and equipment rentals are subject to sales tax. The tax applies to the rental fee itself. If you rent a car for a week, the rental charge is taxed at your county's rate.
How to find your county's exact rate
The Florida Department of Revenue maintains a list of all county rates on its website. You can search by county name or ZIP code. The rate is updated when counties change their tax, though this happens infrequently.
If you are shopping in a county you do not know, ask the cashier or check the receipt after purchase — it will show the rate applied. Many retailers also display the tax rate at checkout or on their website if you enter your address.
If you are a business owner or accountant, the Department of Revenue also publishes detailed guidance on what is and is not taxable, with specific examples for borderline items.
Why Florida has no state income tax
Florida funds state government largely through sales tax and other consumption taxes rather than income tax. This is why the sales tax rate is relatively high compared to some other states — there is no income tax to offset it.
This structure means Florida residents and visitors pay tax on purchases but not on wages or investment income. If you move to Florida from a state with income tax, you will pay more in sales tax but save on income tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Florida?
No, groceries for home consumption are not taxed. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, frozen dinners, and canned goods. However, prepared food from a deli, hot rotisserie chicken, or anything sold ready-to-eat is taxed. The key is whether the food is meant to be eaten when ready or taken home to cook.
What is the sales tax rate where I live?
Your rate depends on your county. Florida's state rate is 6 percent, and your county adds between 0 and 1.5 percent on top of that. Search your county name plus "sales tax rate" or check the Florida Department of Revenue website. The rate applies wherever you shop in that county, regardless of where the business is based.
Do I owe tax on online purchases from out-of-state sellers?
If the seller does not charge Florida sales tax at checkout, you technically owe use tax at the same rate. Use tax is self-reported on your state return, though most individuals do not report it. Large retailers like Amazon now collect the tax automatically because they have operations in Florida.
Are prescription medications taxed in Florida?
No, prescription medications are exempt from sales tax. Over-the-counter drugs and vitamins are taxed. If you have a prescription, the pharmacy will not charge tax; if you buy the same medication over the counter, tax applies.
Does sales tax explore to services like haircuts or car repairs?
Most services are not taxed in Florida. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, or medical visit has no sales tax. Some specific services like pest control or landscaping may be taxed depending on how they are classified, so ask the business if you are unsure.