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. However, most counties add their own local tax on top of it, so your actual rate at checkout is usually higher — typically between 6.5 and 7.5 percent depending on where you shop.

The state collects its 6 percent and sends a portion to counties. Each county then decides whether to add more. A few counties add nothing extra, but most add between 0.5 and 1.5 percent. This means two people buying the same item in different Florida counties will pay different totals.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your county may add 0.5 to 1.5 percent on top, making your total rate between 6.5 and 7.5 percent.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and most medical devices are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
  • Services like haircuts, restaurant meals, and repairs are taxed, even though goods sometimes are not.
  • You can find your exact local rate by checking your county's tax collector website or asking at the register.

County-by-county rates vary across Florida

Because counties control their own add-on rate, your sales tax depends on which county you are in when you make a purchase. Miami-Dade County, for example, adds 1 percent to the state's 6 percent, bringing the total to 7 percent. Broward County adds 1 percent as well. Hillsborough County (Tampa area) adds 1.5 percent, making the total 7.5 percent.

Some counties add less. Alachua County adds 0.5 percent for a total of 6.5 percent. A handful of smaller counties add nothing beyond the state rate, though this is uncommon. The difference matters most when you are buying something expensive — a $1,000 purchase costs $60 more in a 7.5 percent county than in a 6 percent county.

If you live near a county line, you might notice people driving to shop in a lower-tax county. This is legal, though most people do it only for very large purchases. For everyday shopping, the difference is small enough that convenience usually wins.

What is and is not taxed in Florida

Not everything you buy is subject to sales tax. Groceries — food you cook at home — are not taxed in Florida. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and frozen foods. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed, because they are considered a service, not a grocery item.

Prescription medications are also exempt. Over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and cold medicine are taxed, but anything you need a prescription for is not. Medical devices prescribed by a doctor — such as diabetic test strips or certain mobility aids — are typically exempt as well, though the rules can be specific.

Services are generally taxed. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, and pest control all carry sales tax. Clothing is taxed in Florida, unlike in some other states. Digital goods like e-books, streaming subscriptions, and software downloads are taxed as well.

How to find your exact local rate

The easiest way to learn your county's rate is to visit your county tax collector's website. Search "[your county name] tax collector" and look for a page labeled "Sales Tax" or "Tax Rates." Most sites display the current rate clearly and list any recent changes.

You can also call your county tax collector's office directly — the number is on their website. They can tell you the rate in seconds and answer questions about whether a specific item is taxed.

If you are shopping online and the seller is based outside Florida, Florida sales tax may not be charged at checkout. However, Florida law requires you to pay "use tax" on out-of-state purchases — it is the same rate as sales tax, and you owe it whether the seller collects it or not. Most people do not pay it voluntarily, but it is technically a legal obligation.

Sales tax on online purchases

Large online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target now collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to Florida addresses. This happened gradually over several years as federal law changed. If you buy from a small seller or a business based outside the United States, tax may not be collected.

When tax is not collected at checkout, you are still legally responsible for paying use tax to Florida. In practice, this is rarely enforced for individual purchases. The state focuses on collecting from large retailers instead. If you run a business and make regular out-of-state purchases, you should track these and report them on your tax return.

What changed recently with sales tax

Florida's 6 percent state rate has been in place since 1987 and has not changed. County rates shift occasionally when local governments vote to adjust them, but these changes are infrequent and usually small — a quarter or half percent at a time.

The biggest recent shift was the expansion of online sales tax collection. Until roughly 2019, many online sellers did not collect Florida tax. Now most major retailers do. This means your online and in-store tax bills are more likely to match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sales tax the same everywhere in Florida?

No. The state rate is 6 percent everywhere, but counties add their own tax on top. Your total rate depends on which county you are in. If you shop in two different counties, you will pay different rates even though you are in the same state.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries?

No. Food you buy to cook at home — produce, meat, dairy, bread, frozen vegetables — is not taxed. Restaurant meals, prepared foods, and food you eat in the store are taxed because they are considered a service.

What about clothes and shoes?

Clothing and shoes are taxed in Florida at your local rate. Some states exempt clothing, but Florida does not. A $100 shirt costs you the full sales tax on top of the price.

Do I owe tax on things I buy online from out-of-state sellers?

Legally, yes — you owe use tax at the same rate as sales tax. In practice, it is rarely enforced for individual purchases. Large retailers now collect the tax automatically, so most online purchases are taxed the same way as in-store purchases.

Can I look up my county's exact rate online?

Yes. Search "[your county name] tax collector" and visit their official website. They list the current rate and any recent changes. You can also call their office directly for an when ready answer.