Florida sales tax is a tax on most goods and some services, collected at the point of sale

Florida's statewide sales tax rate is 6 percent. When you buy something in a store or online, the seller adds 6 percent to the price before you pay. Some counties add their own local tax on top of that, so your total rate may be 6.5, 7, or 7.5 percent depending on where you live. The tax applies to most physical items — groceries, clothing, electronics, furniture — and to some services like repairs and rentals.

The seller collects the tax from you at checkout and sends it to the Florida Department of Revenue. You do not send in sales tax yourself unless you own a business. The tax funds state and local government services, including schools, roads, and public safety.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's base sales tax rate is 6 percent statewide, but your county may add 0.5 to 1.5 percent more, making your total rate between 6 and 7.5 percent.
  • Most goods are taxed, including groceries and clothing, but some items like prescription medications and certain medical equipment are exempt.
  • Online purchases from out-of-state sellers are subject to Florida sales tax if the seller has a physical presence in the state or meets federal economic nexus thresholds.
  • The tax is collected by the seller at checkout, not paid separately by you as a consumer.

What items are taxed and what is exempt

Most tangible goods sold in Florida are taxed at the point of sale. This includes food and beverages, clothing, household goods, vehicles, and electronics. Groceries — items you buy to cook at home — are taxed at the full rate, unlike some states that exempt food.

Certain items are exempt from sales tax. Prescription medications and insulin are not taxed. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and oxygen equipment, is also exempt. Prosthetic devices and mobility aids fall under this exemption. Some services are exempt too: medical and dental services, haircuts, and labor performed by a licensed professional are generally not subject to sales tax.

Resale items — goods a business buys to resell to customers — are not taxed when the business buys them, though they are taxed when the customer buys them. A business must provide a resale certificate to avoid paying tax on wholesale purchases.

County and local tax rates vary across Florida

While the state rate is 6 percent, 67 Florida counties add their own local sales tax. Most add 0.5 percent, some add 1 percent, and a few add 1.5 percent. Your total rate depends on which county you live in and where you make the purchase.

For example, Miami-Dade County adds 1 percent, bringing the total to 7 percent. Hillsborough County (Tampa area) adds 1.5 percent, making the total 7.5 percent. Duval County (Jacksonville) adds 1.5 percent. If you live in a county with no local tax, you pay only the 6 percent state rate. You can find your county's rate on the Florida Department of Revenue website or by calling your county tax collector's office.

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

If you buy something online from a seller with a physical location in Florida — a store, warehouse, or office — Florida sales tax applies. If you buy from an out-of-state seller with no Florida presence, the seller may not collect Florida tax at checkout. However, you are technically responsible for paying "use tax" on that purchase, which is the same rate as sales tax.

In practice, most consumers do not pay use tax on individual purchases. Large online retailers like Amazon and Walmart collect Florida sales tax on most orders because they have warehouses or other operations in the state. Smaller out-of-state sellers may not. If you are unsure whether tax was collected, check your receipt or the seller's website.

If you buy something out of state and bring it into Florida, you do not owe sales tax on it. Sales tax is collected only at the point of sale, not when you cross state lines.

What happens if sales tax is charged incorrectly

If a seller charges you sales tax on an exempt item — such as a prescription medication or medical device — you can ask for a refund. Keep your receipt and contact the store's customer service. Most retailers will refund the tax if you show proof the item should have been exempt.

If you believe a seller has overcharged you on tax, or if you notice the tax rate on your receipt does not match your county's rate, contact the seller first. If the seller does not correct it, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Revenue. You will need your receipt and details about the transaction.

Businesses that collect sales tax but do not send it to the state are committing tax evasion. If you suspect this is happening, you can report it to the Florida Department of Revenue's Fraud Hotline.

How to find your county's sales tax rate

Your county's combined state and local sales tax rate is listed on the Florida Department of Revenue website. You can search by county name. You can also call your county tax collector's office — the number is on your property tax bill or online. Many retailers also display the combined rate at checkout or on their website.

If you move to a different county in Florida, your tax rate may change. If you travel to another county to shop, the tax rate at that location applies to your purchase, not your home county's rate. Tax is always based on where the sale happens, not where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Florida?

Yes. Florida taxes groceries at the full sales tax rate, unlike some states that exempt food. This includes items like milk, bread, vegetables, and meat. The tax applies whether you buy at a supermarket or a convenience store.

Is sales tax added to restaurant meals?

Yes. Restaurant meals, takeout food, and prepared foods are taxed at the full sales tax rate. This includes fast food, coffee shops, and catering. The tax is added to your bill before you pay.

Do I owe Florida sales tax on items I buy while traveling out of state?

No. Sales tax is based on where the purchase happens, not where you live. If you buy something in another state, that state's tax applies. You do not owe Florida tax on out-of-state purchases, and you do not owe tax when you bring items into Florida.

What is the difference between sales tax and use tax?

Sales tax is collected by the seller at the point of sale. Use tax is a tax you owe on items you buy from out-of-state sellers who do not collect Florida tax. Both rates are the same. Most consumers never pay use tax because large retailers now collect sales tax on online orders.

Can I get a sales tax refund if I return something?

Yes. If you return an item within the store's return window, the refund includes the sales tax you paid. The refund appears as a credit to your payment method or as store credit, depending on how you paid.