Yes, Florida has a sales tax of 6 percent at the state level
Florida charges a 6 percent state sales tax on most retail purchases. 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.
Sales tax is collected at the point of sale — the cashier adds it to your bill. You pay it on tangible goods: clothing, groceries, electronics, furniture. The tax does not apply to most services, though there are exceptions.
Unlike income tax, which is withheld from paychecks, sales tax is visible at checkout. If you buy something for $100 in a county with a 7 percent combined rate, you pay $107 total.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, and most counties add 0.5 to 1.5 percent on top of that.
- Sales tax applies to physical goods but not to most services, medical care, or prescription drugs.
- Groceries are taxed at a reduced rate of 6 percent (no local add-on), while prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed at the full combined rate.
- Online purchases from out-of-state sellers are subject to sales tax if the seller has a physical presence in Florida or meets federal nexus thresholds.
What the 6 percent state rate covers
The 6 percent state tax applies to most retail goods sold in Florida. This includes clothing, shoes, household items, appliances, furniture, toys, books, and electronics. If you can touch it and take it home, it is almost certainly taxed.
The state rate does not include the local add-on. Your actual tax bill is the state 6 percent plus whatever your county charges. For example, Miami-Dade County adds 1 percent, so the combined rate there is 7 percent. Broward County adds 1.5 percent, making it 7.5 percent.
Some counties have different rates for different types of purchases. Always check your receipt to see the exact rate charged — it will be listed separately from the subtotal.
Items and services that are not taxed
Prescription medications are not subject to sales tax in Florida. Over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or cold medicine are taxed, but anything requiring a prescription is exempt.
Most services are not taxed. Haircuts, dental work, medical visits, car repairs, and plumbing services do not have sales tax added. However, some services are taxed: dry cleaning, pest control, and certain repairs to tangible property are subject to tax.
Groceries have a special status. Unprepared food — raw meat, vegetables, bread, milk, eggs — is taxed at 6 percent with no local add-on. Prepared food and restaurant meals are taxed at the full combined rate, including the county add-on.
How county add-ons work
Florida allows counties to impose their own sales tax on top of the state 6 percent. The county rate is set by the county commission and typically ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 percent. Some counties have no add-on at all, though this is rare.
The county tax is collected by the same cashier at the same time as the state tax. You will see both listed on your receipt. The county tax funds local services like schools, transportation, and infrastructure.
If you live near a county line, you may notice your tax rate changes depending on which side you shop on. A purchase in one county might be taxed at 6.5 percent while the same purchase across the line is taxed at 7.5 percent.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
Online retailers must collect Florida sales tax if they have a physical presence in the state — a warehouse, office, or store location. Amazon, for example, collects sales tax on most items shipped to Florida addresses because it has fulfillment centers here.
If an online seller has no physical presence in Florida, they are not required to collect sales tax at checkout. However, Florida law requires you to pay "use tax" on those purchases when you file your state income tax return. In practice, most individuals do not report use tax, and the state does not actively pursue it for personal purchases.
The rule changed in 2021 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states can require sales tax collection from remote sellers. Most large retailers now collect it automatically. Small sellers may not, so check your receipt or the seller's website to see whether tax was added.
What happens to the sales tax you pay
The state keeps the 6 percent and uses it for general state operations: education, transportation, healthcare, and administration. The county keeps its add-on and uses it for local priorities set by the county commission.
Sales tax is one of Florida's main sources of revenue. Because Florida has no state income tax, sales tax and other consumption taxes make up a larger share of the state budget than they do in states with income tax.
The tax is regressive, meaning it takes a larger percentage of income from lower-earning households than from higher-earning ones. A family earning $30,000 a year spends a larger share of their income on taxable goods than a family earning $100,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on everything I buy in Florida?
No. You pay sales tax on physical goods and some services, but not on prescription drugs, most medical services, or groceries (unprepared food is taxed at 6 percent only, with no county add-on). Services like haircuts and dental work are generally not taxed, though dry cleaning and pest control are.
What is the highest sales tax rate in Florida?
The highest combined rate is 7.5 percent in several counties including Broward, Hillsborough, and Pinellas. Some counties have lower rates. Check your county's rate on the Florida Department of Revenue website or ask a cashier.
Do I have to pay sales tax if I buy something online from a Florida company?
Yes, if the seller has a physical location in Florida or meets federal nexus rules, they must collect sales tax. Most established online retailers do this automatically. If they do not, you are technically required to pay use tax when you file your state return.
Is sales tax the same everywhere in Florida?
No. The state rate is 6 percent everywhere, but counties add different amounts. Your total rate depends on which county you are in. If you shop near a county line, you may see different rates on either side.
Why does Florida have sales tax but no income tax?
Florida chose to fund the state budget through sales tax, property tax, and other consumption taxes rather than income tax. This means residents do not pay state income tax on wages, but pay more in sales tax than residents of states with income tax.