Florida's Sales Tax Rate

Florida's state sales tax rate is 6 percent. However, most people in Florida pay more than 6 percent because counties add their own sales tax on top of the state rate. The total you pay at checkout depends on which county you're in and what you're buying.

County surtaxes range from 0.5 percent to 2 percent, which means the combined rate in your area could be anywhere from 6 percent to 8.5 percent. For example, Miami-Dade County adds 1 percent, bringing the total to 7 percent. Broward County adds 1.5 percent, making it 7.5 percent. If you live in a county with no additional surtax, you pay exactly 6 percent.

The rate you see on a receipt is the one that applies in that specific location. If you buy something in one county and then cross into another, the tax rate changes at the county line.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your actual rate depends on your county's additional surtax.
  • County surtaxes add between 0.5 and 2 percent to the state rate, making total sales tax range from 6 to 8.5 percent across Florida.
  • You can find your exact local rate by searching your county name plus "sales tax rate" or by checking your county tax collector's website.
  • Some items are exempt from sales tax in Florida, including most groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical equipment.

County-by-County Rates Across Florida

Because each county sets its own surtax, the rate you pay varies depending on where you shop. The state collects the 6 percent, and the county keeps its portion. This means a $100 purchase costs different amounts in different parts of Florida.

The largest counties have these combined rates: Broward County (7.5 percent), Duval County (7 percent), Hillsborough County (7.5 percent), Orange County (6.5 percent), Palm Beach County (7 percent), and Pinellas County (7.5 percent). Some smaller or rural counties have lower surtaxes, while others match the higher rates. The easiest way to find your exact rate is to visit your county tax collector's website or search "[Your County] Florida sales tax rate."

What Is and Isn't Subject to Sales Tax in Florida

Not everything you buy in Florida is taxed at the sales tax rate. Groceries — items like milk, bread, meat, and vegetables — are exempt from sales tax. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and items like candy and soda are taxed normally.

Prescription medications are also exempt. Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed, but prescription drugs filled by a pharmacist are not. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor, such as wheelchairs or oxygen equipment, is typically exempt as well.

Clothing and shoes under $100 per item are exempt from sales tax in Florida. If a single item costs $100 or more, the entire purchase is taxed. Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional labor are generally not subject to sales tax, though some services bundled with products may be.

How Sales Tax Is Collected and Used

When you make a purchase, the retailer collects the sales tax at the point of sale and holds it temporarily. The retailer then sends the collected tax to the Florida Department of Revenue, which distributes the state's 6 percent portion to the state budget. The county portion goes to the county government.

Counties use their surtax revenue for specific purposes, which vary by county. Some use it for schools, transportation, infrastructure, or emergency services. When a county creates a new surtax, voters often decide through referendum how the money will be spent, though this varies by the type of surtax authorized.

Sales Tax on Online and Out-of-State Purchases

If you order something online from a retailer outside Florida, you may still owe Florida sales tax. Large online retailers now collect sales tax on purchases shipped to Florida, even if the company is based elsewhere. This applies to most major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

Smaller online retailers may not collect Florida sales tax at checkout. In those cases, Florida law technically requires you to report the purchase and pay "use tax" — which is the same rate as sales tax — when you file your state income tax return. However, most individual consumers do not report these purchases. If you run a business, tracking use tax is more important because the state may audit business records.

Special Sales Tax Situations in Florida

Florida offers a sales tax holiday in early August each year, typically lasting one week. During this period, most clothing, shoes, and school supplies under certain price limits are sold without sales tax. The exact dates and item limits change yearly, so check the Florida Department of Revenue website before the holiday begins.

Certain organizations, such as nonprofits and government agencies, may be exempt from paying sales tax on purchases. If you work for a may have access to organization, you may be able to use a resale certificate or exemption certificate to avoid tax on specific purchases. Your organization's accounting or purchasing department handles these certificates.

Finding Your Specific County Rate

To find the exact sales tax rate where you live or shop, start with your county tax collector's website. Search "[County Name] Florida tax collector" and look for the sales tax rate page. You can also call your county tax collector's office directly — the number is listed on their website.

The Florida Department of Revenue also maintains a list of all county rates on its website. If you're shopping in a different county or traveling within Florida, you can look up that county's rate before you go, or straightforward check your receipt after purchase to see what rate was applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in my county?

Your county's rate is 6 percent plus the county surtax. To find your exact rate, visit your county tax collector's website or call their office. You can also search "[Your County] Florida sales tax rate" online. The combined rate ranges from 6 to 8.5 percent depending on where you are.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Florida?

Most groceries are exempt from sales tax, including milk, bread, meat, vegetables, and canned goods. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, candy, and soft drinks are taxed. If you're unsure whether a specific item is taxed, ask the cashier or check your receipt.

Is clothing tax-free in Florida?

Clothing and shoes under $100 per item are exempt from sales tax. If a single item costs $100 or more, the entire purchase is subject to sales tax. During the August sales tax holiday, most clothing and school supplies under set price limits are also tax-free for one week.

Do I owe sales tax on online purchases shipped to Florida?

Most large online retailers now collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to Florida. Smaller retailers may not, and technically you would owe use tax (the same rate as sales tax) on those purchases. For personal purchases, most people do not report this. If you run a business, tracking use tax is more important.

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

Sales tax refunds are generally not available for regular purchases. However, if you were overcharged due to an error, you can contact the retailer or the Florida Department of Revenue. Visitors from outside the United States may be able to recover sales tax on certain purchases through the Florida tax refund program — ask the retailer for details.