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 in Florida. However, your actual tax at checkout will often be higher because counties add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate.

The total you pay depends on which county you're shopping in. A purchase in Miami-Dade County will have a different total tax than the same purchase in Duval County, because each county sets its own local rate. When you see a price tag, the 6 percent state tax is already factored into what you'll owe, plus whatever local tax applies where you are.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax rate is 6 percent, and it applies to most retail purchases and many services.
  • Counties add local sales taxes on top of the state rate, so your total tax varies by location—ranging from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on the county.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
  • Some services like haircuts, repairs, and rentals are taxed, while others like professional services and insurance are not.

How county taxes stack on top of the state rate

Florida's 67 counties each decide whether to charge a local sales tax and at what rate. Most counties do charge local tax, typically between 0.5 and 1.5 percent. This means your total sales tax bill ranges from 6 percent (in counties with no local tax) to 7.5 percent (in counties with the maximum local addition).

For example, Broward County adds 1 percent to the state rate, bringing the total to 7 percent. Hillsborough County adds 1.5 percent, making the total 7.5 percent. If you live or shop near a county line, the tax you pay can shift by a full percentage point depending on which side you're on. The cashier or checkout screen will show you the exact rate for that location.

What is and isn't taxed in Florida

Not everything you buy is subject to sales tax. Groceries—food you take home to cook—are not taxed. Prescription medications are also exempt. Medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and diabetic supplies are tax-free. Durable medical equipment prescribed by a doctor falls into this category.

Services are taxed differently depending on what they are. A haircut or manicure is taxed. Car repairs and appliance repairs are taxed. Renting a car or a hotel room is taxed. However, professional services like accounting, legal information, and medical care are not taxed. Insurance premiums are not taxed. Utilities like electricity and water are not taxed.

Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxed, even if you take them home. This is the main difference from groceries—if someone prepared it for you to eat, it's taxable. Alcohol and tobacco products are taxed at the regular sales tax rate (plus state and federal excise taxes on top).

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

If you order something online from a retailer that has a physical location in Florida or meets certain sales thresholds, Florida sales tax applies to your order. Most large online retailers now collect Florida sales tax automatically at checkout, even if they ship from out of state.

If you buy something from an out-of-state seller who doesn't collect Florida tax, you are technically responsible for paying "use tax"—which is the same rate as sales tax—when you bring the item into Florida. In practice, most individuals don't report use tax on personal purchases, but the obligation exists. Businesses are more likely to be audited for unpaid use tax.

When you might get a sales tax refund

Florida does not offer a general sales tax refund to residents or visitors. However, certain items purchased for export or resale may be exempt. If you're a business buying inventory to resell, you can provide a resale certificate to avoid paying sales tax on your purchase.

Visitors from other states cannot claim a refund on sales tax paid while shopping in Florida. Some states offer reciprocal tax refunds to their residents, but Florida does not participate in these programs. If you overpay sales tax due to a cashier error, you can contact the store for a refund of that specific transaction.

How to find your county's exact tax rate

Your county's total sales tax rate is the combination of the 6 percent state rate plus your local rate. The Florida Department of Revenue maintains a list of all county rates on its website. You can search by county name to find the exact percentage that applies where you live or shop.

If you're moving to Florida or shopping in an unfamiliar county, you can call the county tax collector's office or check the receipt from your last purchase in that area—it will show the total tax rate applied. Most retail websites also display the tax rate at checkout before you complete your order.

Sales tax on vehicles and large purchases

When you buy a car in Florida, sales tax applies to the purchase price. The rate is the same as regular sales tax—6 percent plus your county's local rate. You pay this tax when you register the vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles, not at the dealership. The tax is calculated on the sale price, not the vehicle's book value.

If you trade in a vehicle, the sales tax is calculated on the net amount—the sale price minus the trade-in value. This can reduce your tax bill significantly. If you buy a vehicle out of state and bring it to Florida, you owe Florida sales tax on it, though you may receive a credit for any sales tax paid in the other state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Florida have sales tax on clothing?

Yes, clothing is subject to Florida sales tax at the regular rate. There is no clothing exemption in Florida, unlike some other states. This includes shoes, accessories, and all apparel.

Are there any temporary sales tax holidays in Florida?

Florida holds an annual back-to-school sales tax holiday, typically in August, when certain school supplies and clothing items are temporarily exempt from sales tax. The state also occasionally offers other short-term tax holidays. Check the Florida Department of Revenue website for current dates and may be able to access items.

What if a store charges me the wrong sales tax?

Ask the cashier or manager to correct it on the spot. If you've already left, contact the store with your receipt and they should issue a refund for the overcharge. Keep your receipt as proof of the transaction.

Do I pay sales tax on services like lawn care or plumbing?

Yes, most repair and service work is subject to sales tax in Florida. This includes plumbing, electrical work, HVAC repair, lawn care, and appliance repair. The tax applies to both the labor and any materials used.

Is there a sales tax on gym memberships or fitness classes?

Yes, gym memberships and fitness services are subject to sales tax in Florida. This includes personal training sessions, yoga classes, and other fitness services.