Florida's Sales Tax Rate

Florida's state sales tax rate is 6 percent. This is the baseline tax applied to most goods and services you buy in the state. However, your total sales tax at checkout is usually higher because counties add their own tax on top of the state rate.

When you buy something in Florida, you pay the state's 6 percent plus your county's discretionary sales tax, which ranges from 0.5 percent to 2 percent depending on where you live. This means your total sales tax can be anywhere from 6 percent to 8 percent, depending on your county. Some counties use the revenue for schools, infrastructure, or public services.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent on most purchases, but your county adds an additional tax that ranges from 0.5 to 2 percent.
  • Your total sales tax at checkout depends on which county you are in, not where the business is located or where you live.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
  • The same item can have a different final price depending on which county you shop in.

County Sales Tax Rates Across Florida

Each of Florida's 67 counties sets its own discretionary sales tax rate within state limits. This means the total tax you pay varies by location. For example, Miami-Dade County charges 7 percent total (6 percent state plus 1 percent county), while some other counties charge 6.5 percent or 7.5 percent.

The county tax applies based on where the sale happens, not where you live or work. If you buy something in a store in Broward County, you pay Broward's rate. If you order online and pick it up in a different county, you pay that county's rate. The retailer is responsible for charging the correct rate for their location.

What Is and Isn't Taxed in Florida

Most items you buy are subject to sales tax, including clothing, electronics, furniture, and restaurant meals. However, Florida exempts certain items from sales tax entirely. Groceries — food you buy to prepare at home — are not taxed. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and canned goods.

Prescription medications are also exempt from sales tax. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed, but prescription drugs filled by a pharmacist are not. Some medical equipment and devices prescribed by a doctor may be exempt as well, though the rules are specific and depend on the item.

Services are generally not taxed in Florida. Haircuts, repairs, labor, and professional services do not have sales tax added. However, if you buy a product as part of a service — like paint that a contractor applies to your house — the product portion may be taxed depending on how the invoice is written.

How Sales Tax Is Calculated at Checkout

Sales tax is calculated on the subtotal of taxable items before any discounts are applied. If you have a coupon or discount, the tax is usually calculated on the reduced price, not the original price. The retailer rounds the final total to the nearest cent.

For example, if you buy a $50 item in a county with 7 percent total sales tax, the tax is $3.50, making your total $53.50. If you buy the same item with a $10 coupon, the tax is calculated on $40, which is $2.80, making your total $42.80.

Sales Tax on Online and Out-of-State Purchases

Online retailers must charge Florida sales tax on orders shipped to Florida addresses. This applies whether the retailer is based in Florida or another state. The tax rate charged is based on the delivery address, not where the business operates.

If you order something online and have it shipped to a Florida address, the retailer should charge your county's sales tax rate. Some retailers may charge a flat rate or the rate where they are located, but they are required by law to charge Florida's rate. If you notice a retailer did not charge tax, you are not responsible for paying it later — the retailer is responsible for collecting and sending it to the state.

Finding Your County's Exact Sales Tax Rate

To find your county's exact sales tax rate, you can search the Florida Department of Revenue website, which lists all 67 counties and their current rates. You can also call your county's tax collector's office or ask a retailer in your area what rate they charge.

Rates can change if a county votes to adjust its discretionary tax, though this does not happen frequently. If you live near a county line, it is worth checking both rates before making a large purchase, since the difference can add up on expensive items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Florida?

No. Groceries — food you buy to prepare and eat at home — are not subject to sales tax in Florida. This includes bread, milk, produce, meat, and canned goods. However, prepared foods like deli items, hot foods, and restaurant meals are 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. The tax is based on the location of the sale, not the item's final destination.

Are services like haircuts or car repairs taxed in Florida?

No. Most services in Florida are not subject to sales tax. Haircuts, repairs, labor, and professional services do not have sales tax added. However, if you buy a product as part of the service, the product itself may be taxed.

Do I have to pay sales tax on prescription medications?

No. Prescription medications filled by a pharmacist are exempt from sales tax in Florida. Over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or cough syrup are taxed as regular products.

Why is my sales tax different in different counties?

Each county in Florida sets its own discretionary sales tax rate on top of the state's 6 percent rate. Counties use this money for local services like schools, roads, and public safety. Rates range from 0.5 to 2 percent depending on the county.