Florida's statewide sales tax is 6 percent, but your total rate depends on your county

Florida has a base sales tax of 6 percent that applies everywhere in the state. However, most counties add their own local tax on top of that, which means the rate you pay at checkout ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on where you live or shop. The county you're in determines the local portion — not the city, and not the type of store.

When you see a price tag, the sales tax shown at checkout includes both the state rate and your county's local rate combined. You don't pay them separately; the register calculates the total.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's base sales tax is 6 percent statewide, but 67 of Florida's 67 counties add a local tax on top of it.
  • The combined rate ranges from 6 percent (only in Union County) to 7.5 percent in most other counties.
  • Your county's rate applies to most purchases, including groceries, clothing, and household goods — with some exceptions for specific items.
  • The tax rate you pay is determined by where the sale happens, not where you live, so shopping across county lines can change your total cost.

County-by-county rates: where to find your local tax

Union County is the only county in Florida with no local sales tax, so shoppers there pay exactly 6 percent. Every other county adds between 0.5 percent and 1.5 percent on top of the state rate.

Most counties charge 1 percent local tax, bringing the total to 7 percent. Some charge 1.5 percent, bringing the total to 7.5 percent. A smaller number charge 0.5 percent, bringing the total to 6.5 percent. The rate depends on what the county government decided to impose and when those decisions were made — they vary by decades and by local revenue needs.

To find your exact rate, search online for "[your county name] sales tax rate" or call your county tax collector's office. The Florida Department of Revenue also publishes a complete list by county on its website, updated when rates change.

What items are taxed and what are exempt

Most things you buy in Florida are subject to sales tax: clothing, electronics, household goods, restaurant meals, and services like haircuts or car repairs. The tax applies whether you shop in a store, online, or by phone.

Some items are exempt from sales tax in Florida. Unprepared food you buy to cook at home — like raw meat, vegetables, bread, and milk — is not taxed. Prescription medications are not taxed. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor, like wheelchairs or diabetic supplies, is not taxed. Certain services, like medical care and dental work, are not taxed.

The line between taxed and untaxed can be confusing. Hot prepared food is taxed; cold prepared food (like a deli sandwich) is sometimes taxed and sometimes not, depending on how it's sold. If you're unsure whether a specific item is taxed, ask the cashier or check the receipt after purchase — it will show what was taxed and what wasn't.

How sales tax applies to online and out-of-state purchases

If you order something online from a retailer that has a physical location in Florida, you pay Florida sales tax at checkout. If you order from an out-of-state retailer with no Florida presence, you typically do not pay sales tax at the time of purchase — though some states now require online retailers to collect tax regardless.

In practice, most large online retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target, and others) now collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to Florida addresses, even if they're based elsewhere. Smaller retailers may not. The tax rate applied is based on the Florida address where the item is being shipped, so you pay your county's rate.

If you buy something in another state and bring it back to Florida, you do not pay Florida sales tax on it. However, if you order from out of state and have it shipped to Florida, the retailer may charge tax depending on their policies and their physical presence in the state.

Sales tax on groceries and prepared food

Groceries — raw ingredients like meat, produce, dairy, and bread — are not subject to Florida sales tax. This applies whether you buy them at a supermarket, a farmers market, or a specialty store. The exemption covers items you take home to prepare yourself.

Prepared food is taxed. This includes restaurant meals, deli hot foods, bakery items sold hot, and food from a food truck. Cold prepared foods exist in a gray area: a cold deli sandwich may or may not be taxed depending on how the store rings it up and whether it's considered a prepared meal or a grocery item. When in doubt, the receipt will show whether tax was charged.

Sales tax on services

Most services in Florida are not subject to sales tax. Medical care, dental work, legal services, accounting, and haircuts are all exempt. However, some services are taxed: car repairs, appliance repairs, pest control, and cleaning services are subject to sales tax in Florida.

The rule is not always obvious from the service name alone. If you're being charged for labor or materials to repair or maintain something, it's usually taxed. If you're being charged for professional advice or medical treatment, it's usually not. Ask the service provider before you pay, or check the invoice after — it will show whether tax was added.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax if I buy something in Georgia and bring it back to Florida?

No. Sales tax applies where the purchase happens. If you buy something in Georgia and pay Georgia sales tax there, you don't pay Florida tax when you bring it home. However, if you order something online and have it shipped to a Florida address, the retailer may charge Florida tax based on the shipping address.

What's the sales tax rate in Miami, Tampa, or Jacksonville?

Sales tax is based on county, not city. Miami is in Miami-Dade County (7 percent combined), Tampa is in Hillsborough County (7.5 percent combined), and Jacksonville is in Duval County (7 percent combined). The city you're in doesn't change the rate — only the county does.

Do I have to pay sales tax on used items?

Yes, used items are subject to the same sales tax as new ones. Whether you buy a used car, used furniture, or used clothing from a store or dealer, sales tax applies. The only exception is private sales between individuals, which typically don't involve sales tax.

Is there sales tax on gas in Florida?

Yes. Gasoline and diesel fuel are subject to Florida sales tax at your county's rate, plus a state fuel tax. The total tax on fuel is higher than the sales tax alone because of the additional state excise tax on fuel specifically.

Do I pay sales tax on a car purchase?

Yes. When you buy a car in Florida, sales tax is calculated on the purchase price and added to your total. The rate is your county's combined rate. You pay this tax at the dealership or when you register the vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles.