Florida's statewide sales tax is 6 percent

Florida charges a 6 percent sales tax on most goods and services you buy in the state. This is the base rate that applies everywhere. However, your actual tax at checkout will often be higher because counties add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate.

The total you pay depends on which county you're shopping in. A purchase in Miami-Dade County will have a different total tax than the same purchase in Duval County, even though the state portion is always 6 percent. This means the final tax rate ranges from 6 percent in some counties to as high as 7.5 percent in others.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your total tax rate includes county additions that range from 0 to 1.5 percent.
  • The tax you pay depends on the county where you make the purchase, not where you live.
  • Most tangible goods are taxed, but groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are generally exempt.
  • Services like haircuts, repairs, and restaurant meals are taxed, but the rules vary by service type.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers may not include Florida tax at checkout, but you may owe it when you file your state return.

County-by-county tax rates vary from 6 to 7.5 percent

Because counties can add their own surtax, the total sales tax you pay at the register depends on your location. Some counties add nothing beyond the state 6 percent, while others add up to 1.5 percent. This means the lowest total rate in Florida is 6 percent and the highest is 7.5 percent.

For example, Alachua County adds 1.5 percent to the state rate, bringing the total to 7.5 percent. Broward County adds 1 percent, for a total of 7 percent. Pinellas County adds 1.5 percent. Meanwhile, some smaller counties add only 0.5 percent or nothing at all. The easiest way to find your county's rate is to search "Florida sales tax [your county name]" or check the Florida Department of Revenue website, which lists all county rates.

What is and isn't taxed in Florida

Not everything you buy is subject to sales tax. Groceries — food you cook at home — are not taxed in Florida. This includes items like milk, bread, vegetables, and meat from a supermarket. However, prepared food, restaurant meals, and food eaten on premises are taxed.

Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax when you present a valid prescription. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin and cold medicine are taxed. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and diabetic supplies may be exempt, but the rules are specific, so ask the retailer or check with the Florida Department of Revenue if you're unsure.

Services like haircuts, car repairs, plumbing work, and appliance repair are generally taxed in Florida. However, some services are exempt — for instance, labor on items you're having repaired may be taxed differently depending on whether the item itself would be taxed. Rental of tangible goods like tools or party equipment is usually taxed.

How sales tax works on online and out-of-state purchases

When you buy from an online retailer or out-of-state seller, Florida sales tax may not appear at checkout. Large retailers like Amazon now collect Florida tax on most purchases, but smaller sellers often do not. If tax wasn't collected, you may owe it to Florida when you file your state income tax return — though in practice, most individual taxpayers do not report these purchases.

If you're buying from a business outside Florida and no tax is charged, the responsibility technically falls on you to report and pay the tax. However, the state does not actively pursue individual consumers for this. Businesses that make regular purchases from out-of-state suppliers are more likely to face questions about uncollected tax.

Sales tax on specific items and situations

Clothing and shoes are taxed in Florida — there is no clothing exemption. School supplies, office supplies, and tools are all taxed. Gasoline is taxed, and the rate includes both state and county tax. Alcohol and tobacco products are taxed at the regular sales tax rate, plus they may have additional excise taxes on top.

Used goods sold by individuals are generally not subject to sales tax, but used goods sold by a business are taxed. If you sell your car to a private buyer, there is no sales tax on that transaction. If you buy a used car from a dealer, sales tax applies. Vehicles also require registration and title fees, which are separate from sales tax.

Sales tax on services and labor

Florida taxes many services that other states do not. Landscaping services, pest control, cleaning services, and home repair labor are all subject to sales tax. However, professional services like accounting, legal information, and medical services are generally not taxed. The line between a taxable service and a non-taxable professional service can be unclear, so if you're running a business or making a large purchase, it's worth asking the provider whether tax applies.

If you hire a contractor to build or repair something, the labor is taxed. If the contractor buys materials for the job, those materials are also taxed, and the contractor passes that cost to you. This is why a contractor's invoice often shows sales tax on both labor and materials.

Resale certificates and tax-exempt purchases

If you're a business buying goods to resell, you can provide a resale certificate to avoid paying sales tax on your purchase. The tax is then collected from the end consumer instead. Non-profit organizations and government agencies may also be exempt from sales tax on certain purchases, but they must provide proof of their status.

If you believe a purchase should be tax-exempt — for instance, you're buying medical equipment or you're a registered non-profit — ask the retailer what documentation they need. Keeping receipts and records of tax-exempt purchases is important if you're ever audited or need to prove you paid tax on something that should have been exempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The state charges 6 percent on all taxable purchases. Counties then add their own local tax on top, ranging from 0 to 1.5 percent. Your total tax is the combination of both. The state keeps its portion and the county keeps its portion.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Florida?

No. Groceries — food you buy to cook at home — are not taxed. This includes produce, meat, dairy, and packaged foods. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed. If you're unsure whether something counts as a grocery, the general rule is: if you cook it at home, it's not taxed.

Is sales tax charged on online purchases from Florida retailers?

Most large online retailers now collect Florida sales tax on purchases shipped to Florida addresses. Smaller sellers may not. If tax wasn't charged and you're concerned, you can contact the retailer to ask whether they collect Florida tax. For most individual shoppers, uncollected tax on small purchases is not pursued by the state.

Do I have to pay sales tax when I buy a used car from a private person?

No. Sales between private individuals are not subject to sales tax. If you buy a used car from a dealer, sales tax applies. You will also owe registration and title fees to the state, which are separate from sales tax.

Are prescription medications taxed in Florida?

Prescription medications are not taxed when you present a valid prescription at checkout. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed at the regular rate. Ask the pharmacist if you're unsure whether a medication requires a prescription for the tax exemption to explore.