Florida's statewide sales tax is 6 percent

Florida charges a 6 percent sales tax on most goods and services you buy in the state. This is the base rate that applies everywhere. However, most counties add their own local sales tax on top of this, so what you actually pay at the register is usually higher — typically between 6 and 7.5 percent depending on which county you're in.

The state collects its 6 percent and sends a portion to counties. Counties can add between 0.5 and 2 percent more. A few counties add the full 2 percent, while others add less. This means a $100 purchase might cost you $106 in one county and $107.50 in another.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your total tax rate depends on which county you're shopping in.
  • County taxes range from 0.5 to 2 percent added on top of the state rate, making total rates between 6 and 7.5 percent.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
  • You pay sales tax when you buy tangible goods; services like haircuts, repairs, and professional fees are generally not taxed.

County-by-county sales tax rates

Your actual sales tax rate depends on the county where you make the purchase. Alachua County adds 1.5 percent to the state rate, for a total of 7.5 percent. Broward County adds 1 percent, for 7 percent total. Miami-Dade County adds 1 percent, also 7 percent. Hillsborough County adds 1.5 percent, for 7.5 percent.

Some counties add only 0.5 percent. Duval County (Jacksonville) adds 1.5 percent. Orange County (Orlando) adds 0.5 percent, for 6.5 percent total. Pinellas County (Tampa Bay area) adds 1.5 percent, for 7.5 percent.

If you shop online and the seller ships to you in Florida, you pay the sales tax rate of the county where the package is delivered, not where the seller is located. This applies to most online retailers now, though some smaller sellers may not collect Florida tax yet.

What is and isn't taxed in Florida

Groceries are not taxed in Florida. This includes food you cook at home: bread, milk, vegetables, meat, canned goods, and frozen meals. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed, because they're considered prepared for immediate consumption.

Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin and cold medicine are taxed. Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and diabetic supplies are not taxed if you have a prescription or doctor's order.

Clothing and shoes are taxed in Florida, with no exemption for children's clothing. Services like haircuts, car repairs, plumbing, and accounting are generally not subject to sales tax. Digital products like e-books, streaming subscriptions, and downloaded software are taxed.

When you don't pay sales tax

If you have a resale certificate, you don't pay sales tax on goods you buy to resell. Businesses register with the Florida Department of Revenue and receive a resale certificate number. When you present this certificate to a seller, they don't charge you tax on that purchase — you'll collect tax from your customers instead.

Nonprofit organizations can register for tax-exempt status in some cases, though the rules are narrow. You must contact the Florida Department of Revenue directly to explore whether your organization qualifies.

If you're a Florida resident buying from out of state and the seller doesn't charge Florida tax, you may owe "use tax" — which is the same rate as sales tax — when you bring the item into Florida. Most people don't pay this voluntarily, but it is technically owed.

How sales tax is collected and reported

Retailers collect sales tax at the point of sale and hold it temporarily. They file a sales tax return with the Florida Department of Revenue, usually monthly, and send the tax they collected. The state keeps its 6 percent and distributes the county portion to each county government.

If you buy something and the cashier doesn't charge tax when they should have, you're not responsible for tracking them down. The retailer is responsible for collecting and remitting the correct amount. If you overpay tax on a purchase, you can ask the retailer for a refund at the time of sale.

Sales tax on specific purchases

Vehicles are taxed in Florida, but the calculation is different. You pay sales tax on the purchase price of a car, truck, or motorcycle when you register it with the Department of Motor Vehicles, not at the dealership. The tax is 6 percent plus your county rate.

Gasoline is taxed at the pump. Florida adds a state excise tax of 6 cents per gallon on top of the federal tax and sales tax. This is separate from sales tax and is already included in the price you see on the pump sign.

Utilities like electricity, water, and natural gas are subject to sales tax in Florida. Your electric bill includes the 6 percent state rate plus your county rate. Telecommunications services (phone lines, internet) are also taxed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the sales tax rate in my county?

The state rate is 6 percent everywhere. Your total rate depends on your county's addition, which ranges from 0.5 to 2 percent. You can find your county's exact rate on the Florida Department of Revenue website by entering your county name, or ask a local retailer what they charge.

Do I pay sales tax on online orders shipped to Florida?

Yes. Most online retailers now collect Florida sales tax based on the delivery address. You pay the rate for the county where the package arrives. Some very small sellers may not collect it yet, but the trend is toward universal collection.

Are groceries really tax-free?

Yes, groceries for home cooking are tax-free. This includes produce, meat, dairy, bread, and canned goods. Restaurant meals, prepared foods from a deli counter, and food eaten on premises are taxed. Alcohol and tobacco are taxed even when bought at a grocery store.

Can I get a refund if I paid sales tax by mistake?

Yes. If you paid tax on an exempt item like prescription medication or a medical device, ask the retailer for a refund at the time of purchase or within a reasonable time after. Keep your receipt. If the retailer won't refund it, contact the Florida Department of Revenue.

Is sales tax added before or after discounts?

Sales tax is calculated on the final price after discounts are applied. If an item is $100 and you have a $10 coupon, you pay tax on $90, not $100. This is standard across Florida retailers.