Yes, Florida has a sales tax, and it applies to most purchases

Florida charges a state sales tax of 6 percent on most goods and some services. 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. When you see a price tag, that amount does not include sales tax — the tax gets added at checkout.

Sales tax in Florida is collected by the retailer and sent to the state Department of Revenue. You do not pay it separately or file it yourself as a consumer. It happens automatically when you buy something taxable.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your county may add 0.5 to 1.5 percent more, making your total rate between 6 and 7.5 percent depending on location.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and medical equipment are generally not taxed, but prepared food, candy, and over-the-counter drugs are taxed.
  • Services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are usually not taxed, but rental services like car rentals and hotel rooms are taxed.
  • The retailer collects and remits the tax to the state — you do not file or pay sales tax yourself as a shopper.

What is taxed and what is not

Not everything you buy in Florida is subject to sales tax. Groceries — food you take home to cook — are not taxed. But prepared food, restaurant meals, and hot food from a deli counter are taxed. Candy and soft drinks are taxed even though they are food.

Prescription medications are not taxed in Florida. Over-the-counter drugs like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxed. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor — such as wheelchairs, crutches, or diabetic supplies — is typically not taxed, but you may need to show a prescription or doctor's note.

Services are usually not taxed. A haircut, car repair, plumbing work, or accountant's fee does not have sales tax added. But rental services are taxed: hotel rooms, car rentals, and equipment rentals all charge sales tax. Clothing is taxed, though some states exempt it — Florida does not.

County-by-county tax rate differences

Florida's 6 percent state rate is the floor. Your county government can vote to add a local option sales tax, usually between 0.5 and 1.5 percent. This means your actual rate at checkout depends on which county you are in.

Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Hillsborough County (Tampa area) each have different local rates. A purchase that costs $100 before tax might be $106 in one county and $107 in another. If you shop near a county line, the rate changes based on where the register is located, not where you live. Online purchases are taxed based on the seller's location or, in some cases, where the item ships to — the rules vary by retailer.

How to find your local sales tax rate

The Florida Department of Revenue website lists the combined state and local rate for each county. You can search by county name or ZIP code to see the exact rate where you shop. Most retailers also display the combined rate on their website or at the register.

If you are moving to Florida or shopping in an unfamiliar county, calling the county tax collector's office will give you the precise rate. The rate can change if voters approve a new local tax, so checking before a major purchase is worth the time.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

Online retailers must collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to a Florida address. This applies whether the retailer is based in Florida or another state. The tax rate used is based on the delivery address ZIP code.

If you order from a seller who does not collect sales tax, you are technically responsible for paying use tax — a tax on goods used in Florida that were not taxed at purchase. In practice, most consumers do not pay use tax on personal purchases, and the state does not pursue individuals for small amounts. Large purchases or business use may be different, and you should consult a tax professional if you are unsure.

Who does not pay sales tax in Florida

Certain organizations and people are exempt from paying sales tax. Nonprofits with a state exemption certificate do not pay tax on purchases they make for their operations. Resellers — businesses that buy goods to resell — do not pay sales tax on inventory if they have a resale certificate. The end consumer pays tax when they buy the finished product.

Government agencies and schools typically do not pay sales tax on purchases. If you are buying on behalf of a nonprofit or government body, you will need an exemption certificate to show the retailer. Individuals do not have a general exemption unless they fall into a specific category like a veteran with a disability or a person buying medical equipment with a prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Florida?

No, unprepared groceries — food you take home to cook — are not taxed. But prepared food, restaurant meals, deli items, candy, and soft drinks are taxed. The distinction is whether the food is ready to eat when you buy it.

What is the sales tax rate in my county?

Florida's state rate is 6 percent, and your county adds 0.5 to 1.5 percent on top of that. Check the Florida Department of Revenue website by county name or ZIP code to see your exact combined rate. Rates can vary between nearby counties.

Do I pay sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?

No, most services are not taxed in Florida. Haircuts, repairs, professional fees, and labor are not subject to sales tax. Rental services like hotels and car rentals are taxed, and some specific services may be taxed depending on how they are classified.

Do I have to pay sales tax on online purchases shipped to Florida?

Yes, online retailers must collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to a Florida address. The rate is based on your delivery ZIP code. If a retailer does not collect tax, you are technically responsible for use tax, though this is rarely enforced for personal purchases.

Can I get an exemption from sales tax?

Nonprofits, resellers, government agencies, and schools can get exemption certificates. Individuals generally cannot, unless they are buying medical equipment with a prescription or fall into a specific exempt category. Ask the retailer what documentation they need.