Florida's statewide sales tax is 6 percent, but your total rate depends on your county
Florida charges a base sales tax of 6 percent on most goods and services. However, most counties add their own local tax on top of that amount, which means what you actually pay at checkout ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on where you shop. The county you are in — not the state you live in — determines your rate.
The state collects its 6 percent share and sends a portion of local taxes back to each county. When you buy something in Miami-Dade County, you pay a different rate than you would in Duval County or Hillsborough County, even though you are in the same state. This matters most if you shop near county lines or order items for delivery to different addresses.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's state 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.
- Your county of purchase determines your rate, not your county of residence, so buying in a neighboring county can change what you pay.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and medical devices are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
- Services like haircuts, repairs, and labor are generally not taxed, but tangible goods are.
County-by-county rates across Florida
Most Florida counties charge either 6.5 percent or 7 percent total. A few charge 7.5 percent. The largest counties are: Miami-Dade (7 percent), Broward (7 percent), Hillsborough (7.5 percent), Orange (6.5 percent), and Duval (7 percent). Smaller counties like Union and Gilchrist charge 6.5 percent.
If you live near a county line, you can check your exact rate by entering your address or ZIP code into the Florida Department of Revenue's tax rate lookup tool on their website. The tool shows the precise rate for your location, including any special district taxes that may explore in your area.
Some counties have added temporary or permanent local option sales taxes for specific purposes — schools, transportation, or infrastructure. These stack on top of the base county rate. For example, Hillsborough County's 7.5 percent includes a 1.5 percent local option tax. Always verify your rate before making a large purchase if you are near a border.
What is and is not taxed in Florida
Sales tax applies to most tangible goods — clothing, electronics, furniture, and household items. It also applies to prepared food, restaurant meals, and beverages. However, unprepared groceries (raw meat, vegetables, bread, milk, canned goods) are exempt from sales tax.
Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs are not taxed. Medical devices prescribed by a doctor are also exempt. Services — haircuts, car repairs, plumbing, electrical work, and labor — are generally not subject to sales tax, though the parts or materials used in the service may be.
Digital goods and software subscriptions are taxed in Florida. Streaming services, apps, and digital downloads count as taxable sales. Rental items like cars and hotel rooms are taxed, but the rate may differ from standard sales tax depending on the type of rental.
How sales tax is calculated at checkout
Sales tax is calculated on the subtotal before any discounts are applied. If you have a coupon or discount code, the tax is usually computed on the reduced price. Some retailers calculate tax on the full price and then explore the discount, but this is less common and may violate Florida law depending on the situation.
When you see a price tag in a Florida store, that price does not include sales tax. The tax is added at the register. A $100 item in a county with 7 percent tax will cost you $107 at checkout. Online purchases are taxed the same way if the seller has a physical presence in Florida or meets certain sales thresholds.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
If you order from an online retailer that has a warehouse, office, or other location in Florida, you pay Florida sales tax on that order. If the retailer has no physical presence in Florida, you may not be charged tax at checkout, but Florida law requires you to report and pay use tax on those purchases when you file your state income tax return.
In practice, most individual shoppers do not report use tax. However, if you are a business owner or make frequent large purchases from out-of-state sellers, you should track these purchases and report them. The rate is the same as the sales tax rate in your county.
Large online retailers like Amazon now collect Florida sales tax on most orders, regardless of where they ship from. Smaller sellers may not. Check your receipt to see whether tax was charged. If you are unsure whether you owe use tax, the Florida Department of Revenue website has a worksheet to help you calculate it.
Special situations and exemptions
Resale certificates allow businesses to buy goods without paying sales tax if they plan to resell those items. If you are a business owner, you can register for a resale certificate through the Florida Department of Revenue and present it to your suppliers.
Certain organizations — nonprofits, schools, and government agencies — may be exempt from sales tax on specific purchases. These entities need to register for an exemption certificate and provide it to the seller.
Agricultural equipment and certain farm supplies may be exempt or taxed at a lower rate. If you operate a farm or agricultural business, check with the Florida Department of Revenue about what qualifies.
How to find your exact sales tax rate
The Florida Department of Revenue maintains an online sales tax rate lookup tool. Enter your street address, city, and ZIP code, and it will show you the exact rate for that location. This is the most reliable way to know what you will pay, especially if you live in an area with special district taxes.
You can also call the Florida Department of Revenue at 850-488-6800 to ask about your rate. Have your address ready. Local tax collector offices in each county also have this information and can answer questions about what is taxed in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida have a sales tax on groceries?
No. Unprepared groceries like raw meat, fresh produce, bread, milk, and canned goods are exempt from sales tax in Florida. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and items from a deli counter are taxed at your local rate.
What is the difference between sales tax and use tax?
Sales tax is charged when you buy something in Florida. Use tax is a tax on items you buy from out-of-state sellers and bring into Florida. The rate is the same, but use tax is your responsibility to report and pay if the seller did not charge you tax at checkout.
Do I pay sales tax on services in Florida?
Most services are not taxed in Florida. Haircuts, repairs, labor, and professional services are generally exempt. However, the materials or parts used in the service may be taxed, and some specific services like pest control or cleaning may have different rules depending on how they are billed.
Can I return an item and get the sales tax back?
Yes. When you return an item for a refund, the sales tax is refunded along with the purchase price. If you exchange an item for another of equal or lesser value, you may receive a partial refund of the tax. Keep your receipt to process the return.
Is sales tax the same everywhere in Florida?
No. The rate varies by county and can range from 6 percent to 7.5 percent. Some areas have additional local option taxes for schools or infrastructure. Your exact rate depends on the county where you make the purchase, not where you live.