Florida Sales Tax: The Basics

Florida's sales tax is a tax you pay when you buy most goods and some services. The state charges 6 percent on the sale price, and counties can add between 0.5 and 2 percent on top of that. Your total sales tax rate depends on which county you are in — it ranges from 6 percent to 8.5 percent across the state.

The seller collects the tax at the point of sale and sends it to the state and county. You see it added to your receipt. Unlike income tax, you pay sales tax only on purchases you make, not on money you earn.

Sales tax applies to tangible goods — things you can touch and take home, like clothing, groceries, electronics, and furniture. It also applies to some services, though Florida's list of taxable services is narrower than many states. Haircuts, repairs, and certain professional services are taxable. Others, like legal advice or medical services, are not.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, and your county adds 0.5 to 2 percent, making your total rate between 6 and 8.5 percent depending on location.
  • Sales tax applies to most goods and some services, but not to groceries, prescription medicines, or most medical care.
  • The seller collects and remits the tax — you do not file a separate form unless you run a business.
  • If you buy something out of state and bring it into Florida, you may owe use tax, which is Florida's version of sales tax on remote purchases.

What Is and Is Not Taxed in Florida

Most items you buy in a store are taxed. Clothing, shoes, furniture, appliances, toys, books, and electronics all carry the full sales tax rate. The same applies to restaurant meals and prepared food you take home.

Some purchases are exempt. Groceries — unprepared food you cook at home — are not taxed. Prescription medicines are not taxed. Medical equipment and devices prescribed by a doctor, like wheelchairs or diabetic supplies, are also exempt. Newspapers and magazines are exempt in Florida.

Services vary. A haircut or manicure is taxed. Car repairs and appliance repairs are taxed. Pest control services are taxed. But a doctor's office visit, dental work, and legal consultation are not. If you are unsure whether a specific service is taxed, ask the business before you pay.

County-by-County Tax Rate Differences

Your sales tax rate depends on where you make the purchase. Miami-Dade County charges 7 percent total (6 state plus 1 county). Broward County charges 7 percent. Hillsborough County charges 8.5 percent. Duval County charges 7.5 percent. Orange County charges 6.5 percent.

If you live near a county line, you may notice the tax rate change. A purchase in one county costs more in tax than the same purchase across the line. This matters most for large purchases like cars or furniture. Some people cross county lines to shop, though the difference is usually small.

You can find your county's exact rate on the Florida Department of Revenue website, or ask a cashier. The rate does not change often, but counties do adjust it occasionally.

Sales Tax on Online and Out-of-State Purchases

If you buy something online from a retailer outside Florida and have it shipped to your Florida address, you may owe use tax. Use tax is Florida's way of collecting tax on remote purchases. It is the same rate as sales tax in your county.

In practice, large online retailers like Amazon now collect Florida sales tax automatically at checkout. Smaller sellers may not. If a seller does not collect tax, you are technically responsible for paying use tax yourself when you file your state income tax return — though most people do not.

If you buy something in another state and bring it into Florida for personal use, you do not owe use tax. Use tax applies only to purchases made for delivery to Florida.

Who Collects and Pays Sales Tax

The business that sells you the item collects the tax and holds it temporarily. They then send it to the Florida Department of Revenue, which splits it between the state and the county where the sale happened. You never send money directly to the state or county — the seller handles it all.

If you run a business and sell taxable goods or services, you must register with the Florida Department of Revenue, collect tax from customers, and file monthly or quarterly returns. But as a buyer, you have no filing responsibility. The tax is simply added to your bill.

Special Cases and Exemptions

Certain groups and purchases are exempt from sales tax in Florida. Nonprofit organizations can buy items tax-free if they have a resale certificate. Businesses buying items to resell do not pay sales tax on those purchases — they collect tax from the end customer instead.

Agricultural equipment and seeds used in farming are exempt. Certain energy sources, like natural gas and electricity used in manufacturing, are taxed at a lower rate or exempt. If you are buying for a business or nonprofit, ask the seller whether an exemption applies.

Temporary workers and visitors do not get a break on sales tax. You pay the same rate whether you live in Florida or are visiting.

How Sales Tax Affects Your Budget

Sales tax adds to the price you pay at checkout. A $100 item in a county with 7 percent tax costs $107. On groceries and medicine, there is no tax, so the price you see is the price you pay. On other goods, budget for the tax when you plan purchases.

Sales tax is regressive — it takes a larger share of income from people who earn less, because they spend more of their money on taxable goods. Groceries and medicines are exempt partly to reduce this burden on lower-income households.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Florida?

No. Unprepared food you buy at a grocery store — produce, meat, dairy, bread, canned goods — is not taxed. But prepared food, like a rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, or restaurant meals, is taxed at the full rate.

What is the difference between sales tax and use tax?

Sales tax is collected by the seller when you buy something in Florida. Use tax is what you owe on items bought outside Florida or online and brought into the state. The rates are the same; the difference is who collects it and when.

Can I get a refund of sales tax I already paid?

Generally, no. Sales tax is final once you pay it. If you return an item, the store refunds the tax along with the purchase price. If you overpaid due to an error, contact the seller first; if they cannot fix it, you may file a claim with the Florida Department of Revenue.

Do I owe sales tax on a car purchase in Florida?

Yes. When you buy a car in Florida, sales tax is calculated on the purchase price and collected at the time of sale, usually by the dealer. The rate is your county's total rate. If you trade in a vehicle, the tax is calculated on the net price after the trade-in credit.

What if I buy something in another state and bring it to Florida?

If you buy an item in another state for personal use and bring it home, you do not owe Florida use tax. Use tax applies only to items purchased for delivery to Florida, not items you physically carry across the state line.