Yes, Florida has a sales tax of 6 percent at the state level

Florida charges a 6 percent state sales tax on most retail purchases. Counties can add their own local sales tax on top of that, so your total rate depends on where you shop. The combined rate ranges from 6 percent in some counties to 7.5 percent or higher in others.

Sales tax is collected at the point of sale — the cashier adds it to your bill. You pay it on tangible goods: clothing, groceries, electronics, furniture. You do not pay sales tax on services like haircuts, car repairs, or medical visits, with a few exceptions.

Florida does not have a state income tax, which is why the state relies more heavily on sales tax than many other states do. This means the sales tax rate matters more to your household budget than it would in a state with income tax.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's base state sales tax is 6 percent, but your actual rate is higher because counties add local taxes ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 percent.
  • Sales tax applies to physical goods you buy in stores or online, but not to most services like repairs, haircuts, or professional fees.
  • Groceries for home consumption are taxed at a reduced rate of 0 percent (no tax), but prepared food and restaurant meals are fully taxed.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers are subject to Florida sales tax if the seller has a physical presence or meets federal nexus rules.

County-by-county rates: your actual sales tax bill

The 6 percent state rate is a floor, not your final number. Every Florida county adds a surtax that ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 percent. Miami-Dade County, for example, charges 7 percent total (6 state plus 1 local). Broward County charges 7 percent. Hillsborough County charges 7.5 percent.

Some counties use their local sales tax revenue for specific purposes — transit, schools, or infrastructure — so the rate can change if voters approve a new measure. If you move between counties or shop in a different county, your rate changes with you.

You can find your exact county rate on the Florida Department of Revenue website or by searching "[your county] sales tax rate." The rate you see at checkout is the one that applies.

What is taxed and what is not

Sales tax applies to tangible personal property — things you can touch and take home. Clothing, shoes, electronics, furniture, toys, and books are all taxed. So are gasoline, cigarettes, and alcohol.

Groceries for home consumption are not taxed. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, canned goods, and frozen foods you cook at home. However, prepared food is taxed: restaurant meals, deli sandwiches, hot pizza, and food from a food truck all include sales tax.

Services are generally not taxed. Haircuts, dental work, car repairs, plumbing, and legal advice do not have sales tax added. Medical services and prescriptions are also exempt. However, some services bundled with goods — like installation of carpet or appliances — may be taxed depending on how the seller structures the charge.

Online purchases and out-of-state sellers

If you buy from an online retailer that has a physical location in Florida or meets federal economic nexus thresholds, Florida sales tax applies to your order. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target collect Florida sales tax on shipments to Florida addresses.

If you buy from a small out-of-state seller with no Florida presence, they may not collect sales tax at checkout. However, Florida law requires you to pay "use tax" on those purchases yourself — it is the same rate as sales tax, just collected differently. Most people do not pay use tax voluntarily, but it is technically owed.

The safest assumption: if you are buying from a major retailer or a seller with a significant online presence, sales tax will be added. If you are unsure, check the seller's tax policy before checkout.

Special items and exemptions

Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax. Over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or cold medicine are taxed. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor — wheelchairs, hearing aids, diabetic supplies — is generally exempt, but you may need to provide a prescription or doctor's letter.

Clothing and shoes are taxed, with no exemption for children's sizes. School supplies are taxed. However, some counties or the state occasionally offer a "sales tax holiday" — usually in August before school starts — when clothing and school supplies are temporarily exempt. These holidays last a few days and are announced in advance.

Agricultural products for commercial use have different rules than consumer groceries. If you are a farmer or business buying seeds, fertilizer, or equipment for production, you may be exempt or taxed differently. Contact the Florida Department of Revenue for business-specific questions.

How sales tax affects your budget

A 7 percent sales tax means a $100 purchase costs $107. Over a year, this adds up. A household spending $30,000 on taxable goods pays roughly $2,100 in sales tax annually. Because Florida has no income tax, lower-income households pay a higher percentage of their earnings in sales tax than higher-income households do.

If you are budgeting for a large purchase — furniture, appliances, a car — remember to factor in the sales tax. The sticker price is not the final price you will pay. Some retailers advertise prices before tax to make them look lower.

Keeping receipts can matter if you need to return an item. The sales tax is usually refunded when you return taxed goods, but the refund depends on the store's return policy and whether you have your receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on used items or secondhand purchases?

Sales tax applies to used goods sold by a business — a used car from a dealer, used furniture from a store. Private sales between individuals do not have sales tax, so buying a used car from a private seller means no tax. However, when you register that vehicle in Florida, you pay sales tax to the state as part of registration.

What about sales tax on cars and vehicles?

Vehicle sales are taxed at the state's 6 percent rate plus any county surtax. You pay this tax when you register the vehicle with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, not at the dealership. The tax is based on the purchase price or the vehicle's assessed value, whichever is lower.

Is there sales tax on digital products like apps, e-books, or streaming services?

Digital products and subscriptions are generally not subject to Florida sales tax. E-books, apps, and streaming services do not have sales tax added. However, tax law on digital goods varies and can change, so check with the seller if you are unsure.

Can I get a sales tax refund if I move out of Florida?

No. Sales tax is not refunded based on residency. If you bought something in Florida and then moved, you do not get the tax back. However, if you return an item to a store, the sales tax portion of your refund is returned as part of the full refund.

What if a store charges me the wrong sales tax amount?

Report it to the store first — it is usually a register error. If the store refuses to correct it, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Revenue. Keep your receipt as proof of the incorrect charge.