Florida's Sales Tax Rate

Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent. When you buy something at a store or online, the retailer adds 6 percent to the price before you pay. However, your total tax bill may be higher because counties can add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate.

The combined rate you actually pay depends on which county you're in. For example, Miami-Dade County adds 1 percent, so the total there is 7 percent. Broward County adds 1 percent as well. Other counties add different amounts — some add 0.5 percent, others add 1.5 percent. The state publishes a full list of county rates, but the easiest way to know your rate is to look at a recent receipt or ask the cashier.

Online purchases follow the same rule. If you buy something from a Florida retailer or a retailer with a physical location in Florida, Florida sales tax applies. If you buy from an out-of-state retailer that has no presence in Florida, you typically do not pay Florida sales tax at checkout — though some states require you to report and pay tax on those purchases yourself when you file taxes.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your county may add between 0.5 and 1.5 percent on top of that.
  • The combined rate you pay at checkout is the state rate plus your county's local rate.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
  • Sales tax applies to online purchases from Florida retailers or retailers with a Florida location, just as it does to in-store purchases.

What Is and Isn't Taxed

Not everything you buy in Florida is subject to sales tax. Groceries — food you take home to cook or eat — are exempt. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and canned goods. However, prepared food, restaurant meals, and hot food from a deli counter are taxed.

Prescription medications are not taxed. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and diabetic supplies may be exempt depending on the specific item — your pharmacist or medical supply store can tell you whether a particular item is taxed.

Clothing is taxed in Florida. Shoes, shirts, pants, and accessories all have sales tax applied. Services are generally not taxed — haircuts, repairs, and professional services do not have sales tax, though the materials used in those services might be taxed when the business buys them.

How County Rates Work

Florida allows each county to set its own local sales tax rate within limits set by state law. The state collects the 6 percent, and each county collects its portion. When you make a purchase, the retailer calculates both rates and adds them together on your receipt.

If you live in one county and shop in another, you pay the tax rate of the county where you make the purchase, not where you live. This matters most if you live near a county line. Some people cross into a neighboring county specifically to shop if that county has a lower rate, though the difference is usually small — often 0.5 to 1 percent.

The county rates fund local services, schools, and infrastructure. When a county raises or lowers its rate, the change appears on your next purchase in that county. You can find your county's current rate on the Florida Department of Revenue website or by asking a retailer.

Sales Tax on Online and Mail Orders

If you order something online from a Florida company or a company with a warehouse or office in Florida, the retailer collects Florida sales tax at checkout. This applies whether the company is based in Florida or elsewhere — what matters is whether they have a physical presence in the state.

If you order from a retailer with no location in Florida, sales tax is usually not collected at checkout. However, Florida law requires you to report and pay tax on those purchases yourself — this is called "use tax." In practice, most people do not report use tax, and enforcement is limited. The tax rate for use tax is the same as sales tax in your county.

Shipping charges are not taxed in Florida. If you buy an item for $100 and pay $10 to ship it, sales tax applies only to the $100 item price, not the shipping.

Who Collects and Where the Money Goes

Retailers collect sales tax on behalf of the state and counties. They send the money to the Florida Department of Revenue, which distributes it. The state keeps the 6 percent portion, and each county receives its local portion.

The state uses its sales tax revenue for general operations and services. Counties use their portion for schools, roads, public safety, and other local needs. Some counties have dedicated a portion of their sales tax to specific projects — for example, environmental protection or transportation improvements — and voters approved those dedications through ballot measures.

Sales Tax Refunds and Exemptions

If you overpay sales tax or buy something that should have been exempt but was taxed, you can request a refund from the retailer. Most retailers will refund the tax if you return the item. If you believe you were wrongly charged tax on an exempt item, keep your receipt and contact the retailer's customer service.

Certain organizations are exempt from paying sales tax — nonprofits, government agencies, and religious organizations can register for an exemption certificate. If you work for one of these organizations and are buying items for the organization's use, you may be able to make a tax-exempt purchase by providing the exemption certificate at checkout.

Resellers — businesses that buy items to resell — do not pay sales tax on their purchases if they provide a resale certificate. They collect tax from their customers instead. If you are starting a business and will resell items, you can register for a resale certificate through the Florida Department of Revenue.

How to Find Your County's Rate

The simplest way to find out what you pay is to look at a recent receipt from a store in your county. The receipt shows the sales tax amount and sometimes the rate. You can also call a local retailer and ask what the combined state and local rate is.

The Florida Department of Revenue publishes a complete list of all county rates on its website. Search for "Florida sales tax rates by county" and you will find a table showing each county's local rate. Add that to 6 percent to get your total rate.

If you shop in multiple counties, remember that the rate changes based on where you make the purchase. A trip to a neighboring county means a different tax rate at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Florida?

No. Groceries — food you buy to take home and prepare — are exempt from sales tax. This includes bread, milk, produce, meat, and canned goods. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and hot food from a deli counter are taxed.

What is the total sales tax rate in my area?

Add your county's local rate to Florida's 6 percent state rate. Your county rate ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 percent depending on where you live. Check your receipt or call a local store to find your county's rate, or look it up on the Florida Department of Revenue website.

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

Usually not at checkout. However, Florida law requires you to report and pay "use tax" on those purchases yourself. The rate is the same as your local sales tax rate. Most people do not report use tax, and enforcement is limited.

Is sales tax added to the price before or after I see it?

Sales tax is added at checkout. The price you see on the shelf or online does not include tax. The retailer calculates and adds it when you pay, so your final bill is higher than the displayed price.

Can I get a refund if I was charged sales tax on something that should be exempt?

Yes. Keep your receipt and contact the retailer. Most will refund the tax if you return the item or if they confirm the item should have been exempt. If the retailer will not refund it, you can contact the Florida Department of Revenue to report the error.