Florida's statewide sales tax is 6 percent

Florida charges a 6 percent sales tax on most goods and some services. This is the base rate that applies everywhere in the state. However, your actual tax rate depends on where you shop — counties and municipalities can add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate, so the total you pay ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on your location.

The state collects this tax at the point of sale. When you buy something at a store, gas station, or restaurant, the tax is calculated and added to your bill. Online purchases shipped to Florida are also subject to sales tax, though the seller is responsible for collecting and remitting it — you do not calculate it yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's base sales tax rate is 6 percent statewide, but counties and cities add local taxes that bring the total to between 6 and 7.5 percent.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and medical devices are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
  • Restaurant meals, prepared foods, and most services are taxed at the full rate.
  • Your exact tax rate depends on the county and city where you make the purchase, not where you live.
  • Online retailers must collect and remit sales tax on items shipped to Florida addresses.

Local sales tax rates vary by county and city

While the state rate is 6 percent, most Florida counties have added a local option sales tax that ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 percent. This means your total sales tax bill depends on which county you are shopping in. For example, Miami-Dade County has a combined rate of 7 percent, while some smaller counties stay at the state minimum of 6 percent.

Some cities within counties also add their own tax, which can push the rate even higher. The tax you pay is determined by the location of the store or business where you make the purchase, not by where you live. If you live in one county but shop in another, you pay that county's rate.

To find your exact local rate, search online for "[your county name] sales tax rate" or ask a cashier. The rate is usually posted near the register or on the store's website.

What is and is not taxed in Florida

Exempt items — groceries, prescription medications, and certain medical devices — are not subject to sales tax. This means milk, bread, vegetables, and other unprepared food you buy at a grocery store are tax-free. Prescription drugs filled by a pharmacist are also exempt. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin or cold medicine are taxed, but prescription items are not.

Taxed items include restaurant meals, prepared foods, clothing, electronics, gasoline, and most services. When you buy a meal at a restaurant or deli counter, the full sales tax applies. Clothing and shoes are taxed. Services like haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing are generally taxed as well, though some professional services have different rules.

The line between grocery and prepared food matters. A rotisserie chicken from a grocery store deli counter is taxed because it is prepared. A raw chicken from the meat case is not. If you are unsure whether something is taxed, ask the cashier before you check out.

How sales tax is calculated and collected

Sales tax is calculated on the sale price of an item. If you buy something for $100 and the sales tax rate is 7 percent, the tax is $7, and your total is $107. The business collects this tax from you at the register and remits it to the Florida Department of Revenue on a regular schedule — usually monthly or quarterly, depending on the business size.

You do not file sales tax yourself as a consumer. The retailer handles all collection and reporting. Your receipt will show the tax amount separately so you can see exactly how much was added to your purchase.

Sales tax on online and mail orders

Online retailers are required to collect and remit sales tax on items shipped to Florida addresses. This applies whether you order from a large national retailer or a small online seller. The tax is calculated based on the delivery address, not your billing address, so if you have an item shipped to a different county, that county's rate applies.

Some older online sellers may not yet collect Florida sales tax, but this is becoming less common. If you receive an item without tax collected, you are technically responsible for reporting and paying the tax yourself, though enforcement of this rule for individual consumers is rare. For practical purposes, assume the seller will collect it.

Special situations and exemptions

Certain groups and purchases have different rules. Nonprofit organizations may be exempt from sales tax on specific purchases if they have the proper documentation. Resellers who hold a resale certificate do not pay sales tax on items they buy for resale — they collect tax from their customers instead.

Some counties offer a sales tax holiday for specific items during set periods. The most common is the back-to-school holiday in August, when clothing and school supplies are temporarily exempt. These holidays are announced by the state and vary by year, so check the Florida Department of Revenue website if you are shopping during back-to-school season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate where I live?

Search online for "[your county name] sales tax rate" or call your county tax collector's office. You can also ask a cashier at any local store. The rate is the combination of the 6 percent state tax plus your county and city local taxes, which together range from 6 to 7.5 percent depending on location.

Are groceries taxed in Florida?

No. Unprepared groceries like raw meat, vegetables, bread, and milk are not taxed. However, prepared foods from a deli counter, restaurant meals, and hot foods are taxed at the full rate. Over-the-counter medications are also taxed, but prescription drugs are exempt.

Do I pay sales tax on online orders shipped to Florida?

Yes. Online retailers are required to collect and remit sales tax on items shipped to Florida addresses. The tax rate is based on your delivery address, so it reflects your local county and city rates.

Is there a sales tax holiday in Florida?

Yes, Florida holds a back-to-school sales tax holiday in August most years, when clothing and school supplies are temporarily exempt. The exact dates and items change annually. Check the Florida Department of Revenue website in July to confirm dates and may be able to access items for the current year.

Do I have to pay sales tax on services?

Most services are taxed in Florida, including haircuts, repairs, and professional services. However, some services have exemptions — for example, certain medical and dental services. Ask your service provider whether sales tax applies to your specific purchase.