Miami's Sales Tax Rate and What It Covers

The sales tax in Miami-Dade County is 7 percent. This is the combined state and local rate you see at checkout. Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, and Miami-Dade County adds 1 percent on top of that.

This 7 percent applies to most goods you buy in stores — clothing, electronics, furniture, groceries at the register. It does not explore to services like haircuts, car repairs, or plumbing work. Food you buy to take home from a grocery store is also exempt, though prepared food from a restaurant or deli counter is taxed.

If you shop in a different Florida county, the rate changes. Some counties add only 0.5 percent to the state rate, bringing their total to 6.5 percent. Others add 1.5 percent or more. The rate depends entirely on which county you are in when you make the purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Miami-Dade County charges 7 percent sales tax on most retail purchases, combining Florida's 6 percent state rate with a 1 percent local addition.
  • Unprepared groceries, prescription medications, and most services are not subject to sales tax in Florida.
  • The sales tax rate varies by county, so shopping just outside Miami-Dade may result in a different total at checkout.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers may not include Florida sales tax, though this depends on the seller's location and policies.

What Is and Isn't Taxed in Miami

Most items you buy in a store are taxed. Clothing, shoes, toys, books, household goods, and electronics all carry the full 7 percent. The same applies to gasoline, alcohol, and tobacco products.

Several categories are exempt. Unprepared food from a grocery store — bread, milk, vegetables, meat, canned goods — is not taxed. Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs are also exempt. Diapers and feminine hygiene products are exempt as well.

Services are generally not taxed. A haircut, dental work, car repair, plumbing, or house cleaning does not include sales tax. However, if you buy a product as part of that service — like a bottle of shampoo at a salon — that product may be taxed depending on how the salon records it.

How Sales Tax Works on Online and Out-of-State Purchases

When you order from a major online retailer like Amazon, the checkout usually shows 7 percent sales tax if the item ships to a Miami-Dade address. Amazon and similar large sellers collect sales tax on behalf of Florida because they have a physical presence in the state.

Smaller online sellers or out-of-state retailers may not charge Florida sales tax at checkout. Legally, you are supposed to pay "use tax" on those purchases when you file your taxes, but most individuals do not. The difference is small on single purchases, but it adds up over time.

If you are buying from a local Miami business online, expect to see the 7 percent tax applied. If you are buying from a seller in another state with no Florida warehouse, the tax may not appear at checkout.

Sales Tax on Specific Items You Buy Often

Restaurant meals and takeout are taxed at 7 percent. This includes fast food, delivery orders, and food from a deli counter. The tax applies whether you eat in the restaurant or take the food home.

Alcohol is taxed. Beer, wine, and liquor all carry the standard 7 percent sales tax, plus any additional excise taxes that explore to alcohol specifically.

Clothing and shoes are taxed with no exceptions. Florida does not have a clothing exemption like some states do. A pair of shoes costs the same whether you buy them in Miami or at a chain store anywhere else in the state.

Gym memberships and sports passes are not taxed. Neither are movie tickets or concert tickets in most cases, though some venues may charge a separate facility fee that is taxed.

How to Calculate the Total Price Before You Buy

To find the final price of an item, multiply the listed price by 1.07. A $100 item costs $107 after tax. A $50 item costs $53.50. This works for any amount.

Most stores display the pre-tax price on the shelf or tag. The sales tax is added at the register. Some stores show the after-tax price, but this is less common. Always check the receipt to see the tax amount broken out separately.

If you are budgeting for a large purchase — furniture, appliances, or electronics — remember to add 7 percent to the sticker price to know what you will actually pay.

Sales Tax Differences Across Florida Counties

Miami-Dade County's 7 percent rate is on the higher end for Florida. Broward County (Fort Lauderdale area) charges 7 percent as well. Palm Beach County also charges 7 percent. Hillsborough County (Tampa area) charges 7.5 percent, which is among the highest in the state.

Some rural counties charge only 6.5 percent — just the state rate plus 0.5 percent locally. If you live near a county line, shopping in a lower-tax county can save money on large purchases, though the difference is usually small.

The rate in your county is set by the county government and can change, though this happens rarely. If you move to a different county or travel to another part of Florida, check the local rate before assuming it is the same as Miami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sales tax included in the price shown on the shelf?

No. Stores in Florida display the pre-tax price on the shelf tag and in advertisements. The 7 percent sales tax is added at the register. The final price you pay will be higher than the marked price.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Miami?

Not on unprepared food. Bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and canned goods are not taxed. Hot food from a deli counter, prepared meals, and food eaten in a restaurant are taxed at 7 percent.

What about sales tax on used items or secondhand purchases?

Sales tax applies to used items sold by a business, including used cars, used furniture, and items from thrift stores. Private sales between individuals do not involve sales tax. The difference is whether a business is involved in the transaction.

Do I owe sales tax on items I buy online from out-of-state sellers?

Legally, you owe "use tax" on those purchases, but it is rarely enforced for individual shoppers. Large online retailers collect sales tax automatically. Smaller sellers may not, and the burden falls on you to report it during tax filing.

Can I get a sales tax refund if I am visiting Miami from another state?

Florida does not have a tourist sales tax refund program like some countries do. You pay the full 7 percent on all purchases, regardless of where you live. Some states offer refunds to their residents who shop elsewhere, but Florida does not participate in these programs.