Florida's Sales Tax Rate and What It Covers

Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent on most goods and some services. When you buy something at a store, that 6 percent gets added to your bill at checkout. However, your total sales tax may be higher because counties can add their own local tax on top of the state rate — this ranges from 0.5 percent to 2 percent depending on which county you're in. A purchase in Miami-Dade County, for example, faces a combined rate of 7 5 percent (6 percent state plus 1.5 percent local), while a purchase in a county with no local tax stays at 6 percent.

The state tax applies to tangible goods — clothing, electronics, furniture, groceries at the register — and to certain services like haircuts, car repairs, and pest control. It does not explore to prescription medications, most medical equipment, or services like legal information and accounting. Groceries bought for home consumption are tax-free, but prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed. This distinction matters: a frozen pizza from the supermarket is not taxed, but a hot pizza from a restaurant is.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your actual rate depends on your county's local tax, which ranges from 0.5 to 2 percent higher.
  • Sales tax applies to most goods and services like repairs and haircuts, but not to prescription drugs, groceries for home use, or professional services like legal information.
  • Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed, while groceries you cook at home 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 federal economic nexus thresholds.
  • Some items like clothing under $100 per piece may have different tax treatment depending on the context of the sale.

How County Taxes Add to Your Bill

Each Florida county sets its own local sales tax rate within limits set by state law. The state collects the 6 percent, and the county collects its portion. When you check out, you see one combined number, but the money goes to different places. A 7.5 percent rate means 6 percent flows to the state and 1.5 percent to the county.

The local rate varies widely across the state. Some counties charge 0.5 percent extra, others 1 percent, 1.5 percent, or 2 percent. You can find your county's exact rate by searching online for "[your county name] sales tax rate" or by asking a cashier. If you shop near a county border, the rate changes the moment you cross it — buying gas on one side of the line costs more than on the other.

What Is and Isn't Taxed in Florida

Understanding what gets taxed saves you from surprises at the register. Clothing and shoes are taxed at the full rate. Groceries for home cooking — produce, meat, dairy, bread, canned goods — are not taxed. But the moment food is prepared for when ready consumption, tax applies: a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli is taxed, a raw chicken from the butcher counter is not.

Services vary. A haircut is taxed. A doctor's visit is not. Car repairs are taxed. Car sales are taxed. Rent and utilities are not taxed. Gasoline is taxed. Prescription medications are not taxed, but over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are. If you're unsure whether something is taxed, the retailer can tell you before you buy.

Sales Tax on Online and Out-of-State Purchases

If you order something online from a company based outside Florida, you may still owe Florida sales tax. The rule depends on whether the seller has what the law calls economic nexus in Florida — meaning they do enough business in the state that they must collect tax. Large online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to Florida addresses because they meet this threshold. Smaller sellers may not.

If a seller does not collect tax at checkout, you are technically responsible for paying it yourself through Florida's use tax, though most individuals do not. The practical effect is that some online purchases are taxed and others are not, depending on the seller's size and structure. When in doubt, check the seller's tax policy before completing your order.

Who Collects and Where the Money Goes

Retailers collect sales tax from you at the point of sale and send it to Florida's Department of Revenue. The state keeps its 6 percent and distributes the local portion to the county where the sale happened. This is why the tax rate matters — it determines how much money each county receives. Counties use this revenue for schools, roads, emergency services, and other local programs.

Businesses are responsible for collecting the correct amount, keeping records, and filing returns with the state. If a business fails to collect or remit tax, the state can audit them and assess penalties. As a customer, you do not file anything — the retailer handles all the paperwork.

Special Cases and Exemptions

Some purchases are exempt from sales tax for specific reasons. Nonprofit organizations may not pay tax on certain purchases. Manufacturers buying equipment for production may may have access to for exemptions. Agricultural equipment used in farming can be exempt. If you run a business or work for a nonprofit, you may be able to provide a resale certificate or exemption certificate to avoid paying tax on certain purchases.

Clothing is generally taxed, but there are narrow exceptions. Items used exclusively for sports or protective purposes — like football helmets or safety goggles — may have different treatment depending on how they're classified. These edge cases are rare, and most clothing you buy is taxed at the standard rate.

How to Find Your County's Exact Tax Rate

Your county's combined sales tax rate is the easiest number to find. Search online for "Florida sales tax by county" or "[your county name] sales tax rate." The Florida Department of Revenue maintains an official list on its website showing every county's rate. You can also call your county's tax collector's office or ask a cashier at any store.

Knowing your rate helps you estimate the final cost of a purchase before you buy. If you live in a county with a 7 percent rate and you're buying a $100 item, you'll pay $107 at checkout. If you're shopping in a neighboring county with a 6.5 percent rate, the same item costs $106.50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Florida sales tax the same everywhere in the state?

No. The state rate is 6 percent everywhere, but each county adds its own local tax, so the total rate ranges from 6 percent to 8 percent depending on where you are. Check your county's rate before making large purchases.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries?

Not on groceries you buy to cook at home — produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods are not taxed. But prepared foods like deli items, hot pizza, or restaurant meals are taxed. The key is whether the food is ready to eat.

What about online purchases from companies outside Florida?

Large online retailers collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to Florida. Smaller sellers may not. If tax is not collected at checkout, you are technically responsible for it, though enforcement is rare for individual purchases.

Are prescription medications taxed?

No. Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax in Florida. Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements are taxed at the standard rate.

Can I get a refund if I paid sales tax by mistake?

If a retailer charged you tax on an exempt item, contact the store with your receipt. Most will issue a refund on the spot. For larger disputes, you can file a claim with the Florida Department of Revenue, though this is uncommon for small amounts.