Florida's statewide sales tax is 6 percent
Florida charges a 6 percent sales tax on most goods and services. This is the base rate that applies everywhere in the state. However, most counties add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate, so your actual tax at checkout is usually higher than 6 percent.
The total tax you pay depends on which county you're in. A purchase in Miami-Dade County will have a different total rate than the same purchase in Duval County. This means the final price you see on a receipt varies by location, even though the state portion stays the same.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but most counties add 0.5 to 1.5 percent on top of that.
- Your total sales tax rate depends on the county where you make the purchase, not where you live.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
- The tax applies to most tangible goods and many services, including restaurant meals and hotel stays.
- Online purchases from out-of-state sellers may or may not include Florida sales tax depending on the retailer's policies.
County-by-county tax rates vary between 6 and 7.5 percent
When you add the county surtax to Florida's 6 percent state rate, the total ranges from 6 percent (in counties with no local tax) to 7.5 percent (in counties with the maximum 1.5 percent local addition). Most counties fall somewhere in the middle, typically adding 0.5 to 1 percent.
The county surtax is set by each county government and can change. Some counties use the revenue for specific purposes like infrastructure, schools, or tourism promotion. If you shop in multiple counties or travel frequently within Florida, you'll notice the rate on your receipt changes depending on location.
| County | Local Surtax | Total Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alachua | 1.5% | 7.5% |
| Brevard | 0.5% | 6.5% |
| Broward | 1% | 7% |
| Duval | 1.5% | 7.5% |
| Hillsborough | 1.5% | 7.5% |
| Miami-Dade | 1% | 7% |
| Orange | 0.5% | 6.5% |
| Pinellas | 1.5% | 7.5% |
This table shows examples from major Florida counties. For the exact rate in your county, check your county tax collector's website or ask a cashier at checkout.
What is and isn't taxed in Florida
Sales tax in Florida applies to most tangible goods — clothing, electronics, furniture, and household items all get taxed. Restaurant meals and takeout food are taxed. Hotel stays, rental cars, and many services like haircuts and repairs are also subject to sales tax.
Several categories are exempt from sales tax. Groceries purchased for home consumption are not taxed, though prepared foods and items from a deli counter are. Prescription medications and certain medical devices are exempt. Newspapers and magazines are not taxed. Items purchased for resale by a business (with a resale certificate) are not taxed at the point of sale.
Services vary in their tax treatment. Professional services like accounting or legal advice are generally not taxed. However, labor charges for repairs or installation often are taxed, depending on whether they're bundled with a taxable good.
How sales tax works on online and out-of-state purchases
If you order from an online retailer that has a physical presence in Florida (a warehouse, office, or store), that retailer must collect and send Florida sales tax to the state. Large national retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target do this automatically.
If you order from a small out-of-state seller with no Florida location, that seller may not collect Florida sales tax at checkout. In that case, Florida law technically requires you to pay "use tax" on the purchase when you file your state income tax return — but most individual consumers do not do this, and the state does not actively pursue it for small purchases.
The safest approach is to assume that major retailers will collect the tax for you. For smaller sellers, check their tax policy before checkout. If no tax is collected and you want to comply with state law, you can report the purchase on your Florida tax return.
Special sales tax situations in Florida
Florida offers a sales tax holiday in early August each year, typically lasting one week. During this period, clothing, shoes, and school supplies under a certain price point (usually $100 per item) are not taxed. The exact dates and price limits change each year, so check the Florida Department of Revenue website before the holiday begins.
Certain organizations, including nonprofits and government agencies, may be exempt from paying sales tax on their purchases if they have the proper documentation. If you work for such an organization, you'll need a resale certificate or exemption certificate to present at checkout.
Businesses that sell taxable goods must register with the Florida Department of Revenue and collect sales tax from customers. If you're starting a business in Florida, you'll need to understand your tax obligations before your first sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Florida?
No. Groceries purchased for home consumption are exempt from sales tax. This includes items like bread, milk, vegetables, and canned goods. However, prepared foods from a deli counter, hot foods, and items from a restaurant are taxed.
Is sales tax included in the price shown on the shelf?
No. The price on the shelf or tag is the pre-tax price. Sales tax is added at checkout. This means your final bill will be higher than the labeled price by the amount of the local sales tax rate.
What's the difference between sales tax and use tax?
Sales tax is collected by the seller at the point of purchase. Use tax is a tax you owe on items you purchase from out-of-state sellers who don't collect Florida sales tax. Most people report use tax on their state income tax return, though enforcement is limited for individual consumers.
Do I have to pay sales tax on services?
It depends on the service. Labor charges for repairs, installation, and maintenance are usually taxed. Professional services like accounting or legal advice are generally not taxed. Always ask the service provider if their charges include sales tax.
When is Florida's sales tax holiday?
Florida holds a sales tax holiday in early August each year, usually for one week. During this time, clothing, shoes, and school supplies under a set price limit are not taxed. Check the Florida Department of Revenue website for the exact dates and price limits for the current year.