Florida's sales tax is 6 percent on most goods and services

Florida charges a 6 percent state sales tax on most purchases. However, your total sales tax bill depends on where you shop, because counties add their own tax on top of the state rate. The combined rate ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on which county you are in.

Sales tax is collected at the point of sale — the cashier adds it to your bill. You pay it on tangible goods like clothing, electronics, and groceries, and on many services like haircuts and repairs. Some items are taxed differently or not at all, which is where the rules get specific.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your county may add 0.5 to 1.5 percent, making your total rate between 6 and 7.5 percent.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and medical devices are not subject to sales tax in Florida.
  • Restaurant meals, prepared foods, and alcohol are taxed at the full rate, even if you take them home.
  • Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are taxed, but some services like medical care and legal information are not.

How county surtax changes your total rate

On top of Florida's 6 percent state tax, each county can impose a surtax — an additional local sales tax. Most counties charge between 0.5 and 1.5 percent. This means your actual rate at checkout depends on which county you are shopping in, not where you live.

Duval County (Jacksonville) charges 7 percent total. Hillsborough County (Tampa) charges 7.5 percent. Miami-Dade County charges 7 percent. Broward County charges 7 percent. Pinellas County (St. Petersburg) charges 7.5 percent. If you shop near a county line, the tax rate can change between one store and another.

The surtax revenue goes to the county government for local projects and services. Some counties use it for transportation, schools, or infrastructure. The rate does not change based on what you buy — it applies the same way as the state tax.

What is not taxed in Florida

Groceries are not subject to sales tax in Florida. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and other food you prepare at home. However, prepared foods — items you buy ready to eat — are taxed. A sandwich from a deli counter is taxed. A loaf of bread from the shelf is not.

Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs are not taxed. Medical devices like hearing aids, wheelchairs, and diabetic supplies are also exempt. However, cosmetics, vitamins, and supplements are taxed because they are not classified as medications.

Clothing and footwear are taxed in Florida, unlike some other states. There is no clothing exemption. Children's clothing is taxed at the same rate as adult clothing.

Services that are and are not taxed

Many services are subject to sales tax in Florida. Haircuts and salon services are taxed. Car repairs and maintenance are taxed. Appliance repair is taxed. Dry cleaning is taxed. These are considered taxable services because they result in a tangible benefit or product.

Some services are not taxed. Medical services — doctor visits, dental work, therapy — are not subject to sales tax. Legal services are not taxed. Accounting and tax preparation services are not taxed. Insurance premiums are not taxed. These are considered professional services and are handled differently for tax purposes.

Labor charges can be tricky. If you hire someone to install something you bought, the labor may or may not be taxed depending on what is being installed and how the invoice is written. When in doubt, ask the service provider whether their labor charge is subject to tax.

Restaurant meals and prepared foods

Any food you buy ready to eat is taxed at the full sales tax rate. This includes restaurant meals, takeout, delivery orders, and food from a deli or prepared foods section. It does not matter whether you eat it there or take it home — if it is prepared for you, it is taxed.

Alcohol is also taxed at the full rate. Beer, wine, and liquor purchased at a store are subject to sales tax. Alcohol at a restaurant or bar is taxed as part of your meal.

The distinction is straightforward: if you are buying ingredients to cook yourself, there is no tax. If you are buying something someone else prepared, you pay tax on it.

How to calculate your total cost

To find your total sales tax rate, add Florida's 6 percent state tax to your county's surtax. If you live in or are shopping in a county with a 1 percent surtax, your rate is 7 percent. Multiply the pre-tax price by 0.07 to find the tax amount, then add it to the price.

Example: You buy an item for $100 in a county with a 7 percent combined rate. The tax is $100 × 0.07 = $7. Your total is $107.

Most retailers display the combined rate at checkout or on their website. If you are shopping online and the retailer ships to Florida, they will calculate the tax based on your delivery address's county.

Sales tax on online purchases

Online retailers must collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to Florida addresses. This applies whether the retailer is based in Florida or out of state. The tax rate depends on the county where the item is being delivered, not where the retailer is located.

Some online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay collect tax at checkout. Others may not, in which case you may owe use tax — a tax on purchases made outside Florida but used in Florida. In practice, most people do not report use tax on personal purchases, but it is technically owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Florida have sales tax on groceries?

No. Unprepared groceries — items you buy to cook at home — are not taxed in Florida. This includes produce, meat, dairy, and packaged foods. Prepared foods like deli items, restaurant meals, and ready-to-eat items are taxed at the full rate.

What is the sales tax rate in my county?

Florida's state rate is 6 percent. Your county adds between 0.5 and 1.5 percent on top of that. Check your county's tax collector website or ask a retailer in your area for the exact combined rate. Major counties range from 6 to 7.5 percent total.

Do I pay sales tax on prescription medications?

No. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are not subject to sales tax in Florida. Medical devices like hearing aids and wheelchairs are also exempt. Vitamins and supplements are taxed because they are not classified as medications.

Is labor taxed when I hire someone to repair something?

It depends on what is being repaired and how the invoice is structured. Some labor charges are taxed, others are not. Ask the service provider upfront whether their labor is subject to tax, or request an itemized invoice that separates materials from labor.

Do I owe sales tax on items I buy online from out-of-state retailers?

Yes. Most online retailers now collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to Florida addresses. The tax is based on your delivery address's county. If a retailer does not collect it, you technically owe use tax, though it is rarely enforced on personal purchases.