Florida's base sales tax rate and how it works

Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent. However, most counties add their own local sales tax on top of that, so the total you pay at checkout ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on where you shop. The state collects the base 6 percent; counties keep their portion.

Sales tax in Florida applies to most goods you buy in a store or online, but not to groceries, prescription medications, or most services. When you see a price tag, that amount does not include sales tax — the tax is added at the register. For online purchases shipped to Florida, the retailer must charge Florida sales tax if they have a physical presence in the state or meet certain sales thresholds set by federal law.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your total rate depends on your county's local tax, which ranges from 0 to 1.5 percent.
  • Sales tax applies to clothing, electronics, furniture, and most tangible goods, but not to groceries, prescription drugs, or services like haircuts.
  • Different counties have different rates, so a purchase in Miami-Dade County will cost more in tax than the same purchase in a county with no local tax.
  • Online retailers must charge Florida sales tax if they ship to your address, even if the company is based outside the state.

County-by-county local sales tax rates

Florida allows counties to impose their own local sales tax on top of the 6 percent state rate. Not all counties use this option. Some counties have no local tax at all, while others have added up to 1.5 percent. The total you pay depends entirely on which county you are in when you make the purchase.

For example, Miami-Dade County has a 1 percent local tax, making the total 7 percent. Broward County also has 1 percent local tax. Hillsborough County (Tampa area) has 1.5 percent local tax, bringing the total to 7.5 percent. Meanwhile, some smaller counties have no local tax, so residents pay only the 6 percent state rate. To find your county's rate, you can contact your county tax collector's office or check the Florida Department of Revenue website, which lists all county rates.

What is and is not taxed in Florida

Taxed items include clothing, shoes, electronics, furniture, appliances, toys, books, and most other tangible goods. Services are generally not taxed — you do not pay sales tax on haircuts, car repairs, medical visits, or legal information. However, some service-related items blur the line. For instance, if you buy a prepared meal at a restaurant, that is taxed. If you buy groceries to cook at home, those are not.

Not taxed are groceries (unprepared food), prescription medications, and most over-the-counter medicines. Diapers, feminine hygiene products, and certain medical equipment are also exempt. If you are unsure whether a specific item is taxed, the retailer or your county tax collector can tell you.

How sales tax is calculated on your purchase

Sales tax is calculated on the subtotal of your purchase before any discounts or coupons are applied. If you buy an item for $100 in a county with a 7 percent total tax rate, the tax is $7, making your total $107. If you use a coupon that reduces the price to $90, the tax is then calculated on $90, not the original $100.

Some retailers display the tax separately on the receipt; others include it in the final total. Either way, the amount owed is the same. If you are buying multiple items, each item's tax is calculated individually and then added together, though the difference is usually only a few cents due to rounding.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

When you order something online and have it shipped to a Florida address, the retailer must charge you Florida sales tax if they have a warehouse, office, or other physical location in Florida, or if they meet the federal sales threshold (currently $600,000 in annual sales to Florida). This rule applies even if the company is based in another state or country.

If a retailer does not charge you sales tax at checkout, you may owe use tax on that purchase when you file your Florida income tax return. Use tax is the same rate as sales tax and is meant to prevent people from avoiding tax by buying from out-of-state retailers. However, most individual consumers do not report use tax, and the state does not actively pursue it from individuals — it is primarily enforced for business purchases.

Sales tax on vehicles and large purchases

Motor vehicles are subject to sales tax in Florida, calculated on the purchase price. The tax is typically paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles when you register the vehicle, not at the dealership. If you buy a car for $25,000 in a county with 7 percent tax, you owe $1,750 in sales tax as part of your registration fee.

Trade-ins reduce the taxable amount. If you trade in a vehicle worth $5,000 toward a $25,000 purchase, you pay tax only on the $20,000 difference. This is called the net purchase price. The same principle applies to other large items — if a retailer accepts a trade-in, tax is calculated on the net amount you are paying, not the full retail price of the new item.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in my county?

Florida's state rate is 6 percent. Your total depends on your county's local tax, which ranges from 0 to 1.5 percent. Contact your county tax collector's office or visit the Florida Department of Revenue website to find your exact rate. The rate is based on where the purchase happens, not where you live.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries?

No. Unprepared food — items you buy at a grocery store to cook at home — is not taxed. This includes meat, produce, dairy, bread, and canned goods. Prepared food from a restaurant, deli, or bakery counter is taxed. Alcohol and tobacco are also taxed.

Why do online purchases sometimes not show sales tax?

Some smaller online retailers do not have a physical presence in Florida and do not meet the federal sales threshold, so they are not required to charge Florida tax. You may owe use tax on those purchases, though it is rarely enforced for individual consumers. Larger retailers like Amazon must charge Florida tax on all orders shipped to the state.

Is sales tax included in the advertised price?

No. Prices displayed in stores and online do not include sales tax. The tax is added at checkout. This is why the amount you pay is higher than the price tag shows.

Do I pay sales tax when I trade in a vehicle?

You pay sales tax only on the net amount — the purchase price minus the trade-in value. If you buy a car for $30,000 and trade in a vehicle worth $8,000, you pay tax on $22,000, not the full $30,000.