Florida's Sales Tax Rate
Florida's statewide sales tax is 6 percent. When you buy something in a store or online and it ships to Florida, you pay 6 percent of the purchase price as state sales tax.
However, most Florida counties add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate. This means your actual tax rate depends on which county you live in or where you make the purchase. The combined rate typically ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent, though a few counties go slightly higher.
The county you're in matters because the local portion goes to fund schools, infrastructure, and other services in that specific area. When you see a total price at checkout, the sales tax shown reflects both the state and local portions combined.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your actual rate includes county tax added on top.
- Combined sales tax rates across Florida range from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on your county.
- The local portion of sales tax funds county services like schools and roads, not state programs.
- Online purchases shipped to Florida are subject to the same sales tax as in-store purchases.
County Sales Tax Rates Across Florida
Each of Florida's 67 counties sets its own local sales tax rate. Some counties add 0.5 percent, others add 1 percent or more. For example, Miami-Dade County adds 1 percent to the state rate, bringing the total to 7 percent. Broward County also adds 1 percent. Hillsborough County (Tampa area) adds 1.5 percent, making the combined rate 7.5 percent.
To find your county's exact rate, you can search online for "Florida sales tax by county" or call your county tax collector's office. The rate you pay is determined by where the purchase happens or where the item is delivered, not where you live if those are different.
Some counties use their local sales tax revenue for specific purposes. Hillsborough County, for instance, dedicates part of its local tax to public transportation. Others use it for general county operations. The breakdown varies by county.
What Items Are Taxed in Florida
Most tangible goods—items you can touch and hold—are subject to Florida sales tax. This includes clothing, groceries, electronics, furniture, and gas. When you buy a shirt, a gallon of milk, or a phone, you pay sales tax.
Some items are exempt from sales tax in Florida. Prescription medications are not taxed. Most groceries intended for home consumption are not taxed, though prepared foods and restaurant meals are. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor is typically exempt. Seeds and plants used for food production are also exempt.
Services are generally not taxed in Florida. When you pay for a haircut, a plumber's labor, or a doctor's visit, there is no sales tax on the service itself. However, if you buy a product as part of that service—like hair products a salon sells you—that product may be taxed.
Sales Tax on Online and Out-of-State Purchases
If you order something online and it ships to a Florida address, you owe Florida sales tax on that purchase. This applies whether you buy from a Florida company or an out-of-state seller. The seller is responsible for collecting the tax and sending it to Florida, though the burden ultimately falls on you as the buyer.
Large online retailers like Amazon collect and remit Florida sales tax automatically. Smaller sellers may not, and in those cases you may be responsible for reporting the tax yourself on your state return, though this is rarely enforced for individual purchases. The safest approach is to assume tax will be added at checkout.
If you travel to another state and buy something there, you do not pay Florida tax at the register. However, if you bring that item back to Florida and later sell it, you may owe tax on the sale depending on the circumstances.
Who Collects and Where the Money Goes
The seller—the store, website, or business you buy from—collects sales tax at the point of sale and remits it to Florida's Department of Revenue. The state then distributes the local portion to the appropriate county.
The state keeps the 6 percent statewide portion. That money funds state programs and services. The local portion stays in your county to fund schools, roads, emergency services, and other county-level needs. This is why rates vary: each county decides how much local tax to charge based on its budget needs.
Businesses file sales tax returns monthly or quarterly, depending on their size and the state's requirements. They report how much tax they collected and send the money to the state. If a business fails to remit collected tax, it can face penalties and interest.
Sales Tax on Vehicles and Large Purchases
When you buy a car in Florida, you pay sales tax on the purchase price. The tax is calculated the same way as any other purchase—at your county's combined rate. If you buy a $25,000 car in a county with a 7 percent rate, you owe $1,750 in sales tax.
You typically pay this tax when you register the vehicle with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, not at the dealership. The dealership will guide you through this process. If you trade in an old vehicle, the sales tax is calculated on the net price (the new car price minus the trade-in value), not the full purchase price.
Other large purchases like boats and recreational vehicles follow similar rules. Sales tax applies to the purchase price, and the rate depends on your county. Some counties offer exemptions or deferrals for certain types of vehicles, so check with your county tax collector if you're making a major purchase.
How to Find Your Specific County Rate
The easiest way to find your county's sales tax rate is to visit the Florida Department of Revenue website and search for the county sales tax rate lookup tool. You can also call your county's tax collector's office directly—the number is listed on the county government website.
When you call, have your address ready. The tax collector can tell you the exact combined rate for your location and explain what the local portion funds. They can also answer questions about exemptions or special situations.
If you're buying something online and want to know the tax before checkout, enter your Florida zip code into the retailer's tax calculator. Most major retailers display the estimated tax before you complete your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Florida have sales tax on groceries?
Most groceries are not taxed in Florida. Unprepared food items like milk, bread, vegetables, and meat are exempt. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and items like candy and soda are taxed. If you're unsure whether a specific item is taxed, ask at checkout.
Do I pay sales tax if I buy something out of state and bring it to Florida?
No, you do not pay Florida sales tax on items purchased in another state. You paid tax in that state at the time of purchase. However, if you later sell that item in Florida, sales tax may explore to the sale depending on the circumstances.
What is the sales tax rate in my county?
Sales tax rates vary by county and range from 6 percent to 7.5 percent. To find your exact rate, visit the Florida Department of Revenue website, search for your county, or call your county tax collector's office with your address.
Do I owe sales tax on services like haircuts or repairs?
No, services themselves are not taxed in Florida. You do not pay sales tax on labor or professional services. However, if you purchase a product as part of that service—like hair products a salon sells you—that product is taxed.
Is sales tax added to the price shown online before I check out?
No, the price shown is usually before tax. Sales tax is calculated and added during checkout based on your shipping address. The final total will include both state and local sales tax for your county.