Florida Sales Tax: The Basics

Florida's sales tax is a tax you pay when you buy most goods and some services. The state charges 6 percent on the sale price, and most counties add their own tax on top of that—usually between 0.5 and 2 percent. So your total sales tax rate depends on which county you're shopping in. When you buy something at a store or online, the tax gets added to the price at checkout.

The seller collects the tax from you and sends it to the state and county. You don't file anything yourself for sales tax as a buyer—it's handled at the point of sale. The tax applies to physical items like groceries, clothes, and electronics, but not to everything. Some items are taxed differently or not at all, which is where things get more specific.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, and your county adds between 0.5 and 2 percent on top, making your total rate between 6.5 and 8 percent depending on location.
  • Most goods are taxed, including groceries, clothing, and household items, but prescription medications and some medical equipment are exempt.
  • Services like haircuts, repairs, and restaurant meals are taxed, but professional services like accounting and legal information are not.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers are subject to Florida sales tax if the seller has a physical presence in the state or meets certain sales thresholds.

What Gets Taxed and What Doesn't

Taxable items include groceries, clothing, household goods, electronics, furniture, and most other physical products. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed. Services like haircuts, car repairs, plumbing, and pest control are also taxed. If you buy something at a store or restaurant in Florida, you almost certainly pay sales tax unless the item falls into a specific exemption.

Exempt items include prescription medications, medical devices prescribed by a doctor, and certain medical equipment. Newspapers and magazines are not taxed. Some items used in manufacturing or agriculture may be exempt if they meet specific conditions. If you're unsure whether something is taxed, the receipt will show the tax amount—if nothing appears, that item was exempt.

One common question: are groceries taxed? In Florida, most groceries are taxed at the full rate. This includes milk, bread, vegetables, and meat. The only exception is food bought with SNAP benefits (food stamps), which is not taxed at the register.

Sales Tax Rates by County

Florida's 67 counties each set their own additional sales tax on top of the state's 6 percent. This local tax ranges from 0.5 percent to 2 percent. For example, Miami-Dade County charges 7 percent total (6 state plus 1 local), while Duval County charges 7.5 percent (6 state plus 1.5 local). Broward County charges 7 percent, and Hillsborough County charges 8.5 percent.

When you cross from one county into another, your sales tax rate changes. If you live near a county line, you might notice the difference when shopping just across the border. You can find your exact rate by entering your zip code on the Florida Department of Revenue website, or you can ask a cashier—they'll know the rate for their location.

Online and Out-of-State Purchases

If you buy something online from a company that has a warehouse, office, or other physical location in Florida, you pay Florida sales tax. Many large retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target have facilities in Florida, so purchases from them are taxed. The tax is usually added automatically at checkout.

If you buy from a small out-of-state seller with no Florida presence, the situation is more complicated. Federal law now requires sellers to collect sales tax if they meet certain sales thresholds—generally $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions in a year. Most online sellers now collect Florida tax even if they don't have a physical location here. If tax wasn't collected at checkout, you may owe it when you file your state income tax return, though most individual buyers don't report this.

Who Pays Sales Tax and When

You pay sales tax whenever you make a purchase subject to tax. The amount is calculated on the sale price before any discounts are applied—so if something is on sale, you pay tax on the lower price. If you return an item and get a refund, the sales tax is refunded too.

Businesses that buy items for resale don't pay sales tax if they have a resale certificate. This prevents double-taxing—the business doesn't pay tax when it buys inventory, and then the customer pays tax when they buy the finished product. If you're starting a business, you can get a resale certificate from the Florida Department of Revenue.

Special Situations and Exemptions

Certain groups and purchases have special rules. Nonprofit organizations registered with the state may be exempt from sales tax on some purchases. Government agencies don't pay sales tax. If you're buying something for a nonprofit or government entity, ask about their exemption status.

Some counties offer a sales tax holiday for specific items at specific times. The most well-known is the back-to-school holiday in August, when clothing and school supplies are not taxed for a short period. Hurricane preparedness items may also be tax-free during certain windows. These holidays are announced in advance, so check the Florida Department of Revenue website if you're planning a large purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between state and local sales tax in Florida?

The state charges 6 percent on all taxable sales. Your county adds its own tax on top—between 0.5 and 2 percent depending on where you live. So if you're in a county with 1.5 percent local tax, your total is 7.5 percent. The state keeps its 6 percent, and the county keeps its portion.

Do I pay sales tax on services in Florida?

Most services are taxed. Haircuts, restaurant meals, car repairs, and plumbing are all taxed. However, some professional services like accounting, legal information, and medical care are not taxed. The rule is roughly: if it's a service you can see the result of when ready (like a haircut), it's taxed; if it's information or informed, it usually isn't.

Are prescription drugs taxed in Florida?

No. Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin and cold medicine are taxed, but anything requiring a prescription is not. You'll see this on your receipt—the prescription item will show zero tax.

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

If the seller has a physical presence in Florida or meets federal sales thresholds, they must collect Florida sales tax at checkout. Most major online retailers do this automatically. If tax wasn't collected and you're unsure whether you owe it, check your state income tax return instructions—they explain what out-of-state purchases require reporting.

Can I get a refund of sales tax I already paid?

If you return an item and get a refund, the sales tax is refunded along with the purchase price. If you paid sales tax on something by mistake—for example, you bought an exempt item and were incorrectly charged—you can contact the store for a refund, or file a claim with the Florida Department of Revenue if the store won't help.