Florida's Base Sales Tax Rate
Florida's state sales tax rate is 6 percent. This is the baseline rate applied to most taxable purchases across the state. However, the total sales tax you pay at checkout is usually higher because counties add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate.
The combined state and local rate varies by county and ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on where you shop. For example, if you buy something in Miami-Dade County, you pay 7 percent total (6 percent state plus 1 percent local). In Broward County, the rate is also 7 percent. In some counties like Alachua, the combined rate reaches 7.5 percent.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your actual rate depends on which county you shop in because counties add local taxes on top.
- Combined state and local sales tax ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent across Florida counties.
- Most goods are taxable, but groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are generally exempt from sales tax.
- You pay sales tax at the point of sale for physical goods, but services and online purchases follow different rules depending on the type of transaction.
How County Taxes Add to the State Rate
Each Florida county has the authority to impose its own local sales tax surtax, which stacks on top of the 6 percent state rate. These local rates are set by county commissioners and typically range from 0 to 1.5 percent. The revenue from local sales tax usually funds schools, infrastructure, or other county services.
To find your exact combined rate, you need to know which county you are shopping in. A purchase in Pinellas County (which includes Tampa and St. Petersburg) carries a combined rate of 7.5 percent, while the same purchase in Duval County (Jacksonville) would be 7 percent. Some counties have negotiated lower rates or have different rates for different types of purchases, so checking your specific county's rate before a large purchase can help you budget accurately.
What Is and Isn't Taxed in Florida
Not everything you buy in Florida is subject to sales tax. Groceries — food items you prepare at home — are exempt from sales tax. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and canned goods. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and items like candy and soda are taxable.
Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax when dispensed by a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin or cold medicine are taxable. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, canes, and hearing aids may be exempt depending on the specific item and how it is classified.
Services are generally not subject to sales tax in Florida, though there are exceptions. Labor and installation services are typically not taxed, but some services bundled with products may be. For example, if you buy a shirt and pay for alterations, the alteration service itself is not taxed, but the shirt is.
Sales Tax on Online and Out-of-State Purchases
If you order something online from a retailer that has a physical presence in Florida or meets certain sales thresholds, Florida sales tax applies to your purchase. Large online retailers like Amazon now collect and remit Florida sales tax on most orders shipped to Florida addresses.
If you buy from an out-of-state seller with no Florida presence and they do not collect sales tax, you are technically responsible for paying "use tax" — a tax equal to the sales tax rate — when you bring the item into Florida. In practice, use tax is rarely enforced for individual purchases, but it is the law.
Sales Tax on Services and Specific Items
Services like haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing are not subject to Florida sales tax. However, if you purchase a tangible product as part of that service — such as hair products a salon sells you or parts a mechanic installs — the product itself may be taxable.
Certain items have special rules. Clothing and shoes are taxable in Florida. Gasoline is taxable. Utilities like electricity and water are not subject to sales tax. Vehicles are subject to sales tax, though the rate and calculation can be complex depending on whether you are trading in a vehicle or financing the purchase.
Understanding Your Receipt and Tax Calculation
When you check out, the cashier or online system calculates the sales tax based on your location and the taxability of each item. The tax is added to your subtotal to give you the final amount due. On your receipt, you should see the subtotal, the tax amount, and the total.
If you notice a discrepancy or believe you were charged the wrong rate, check your receipt against your county's current combined rate. Tax rates can change when counties vote to adjust local rates, so if you have not shopped in a while, the rate may have shifted. Your county's tax collector's office or website can confirm the current rate for your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida's sales tax the same everywhere in the state?
No. The state rate is 6 percent everywhere, but counties add local taxes that range from 0 to 1.5 percent. Your total rate depends on which county you shop in. Check your county's tax collector website to find your exact combined rate.
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Florida?
No, groceries — unprepared food you cook at home — are exempt from sales tax. This includes bread, produce, meat, and canned goods. Prepared foods, restaurant meals, candy, and soda are taxable.
What about sales tax on clothes and shoes?
Yes, clothing and shoes are taxable in Florida. There is no clothing exemption. The sales tax applies to the full price of the item at the rate for your county.
Do I have to pay sales tax when I buy something online?
If the online retailer has a physical location in Florida or meets Florida's sales threshold, they must collect and remit sales tax. Most major online retailers now do this. If they do not collect tax, you are technically responsible for use tax, though it is rarely enforced for individual purchases.
Can the sales tax rate change?
Yes. Counties can vote to adjust their local sales tax rate, which changes your combined total. The state rate of 6 percent is set by the state legislature and changes less frequently. Check your county's tax collector office if you have not shopped in a while.