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 this, so the total you pay at checkout is usually higher than 6 percent.
The combined rate — state plus local — ranges from 6 percent in a few counties to 7.5 percent in others. Where you live or shop determines which local rate applies to your purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but most counties add a local tax that raises the total to between 6.5 and 7.5 percent.
- The rate you pay depends on the county where the sale happens, not where you live.
- Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
- Online purchases are taxed the same way as in-store purchases if the seller has a physical presence in Florida.
County-by-county local sales tax rates
Sixty-seven Florida counties each set their own local sales tax rate. Most add between 0.5 and 1.5 percent to the state's 6 percent base. A few examples: Miami-Dade County adds 1 percent (total 7 percent), Hillsborough County adds 1.5 percent (total 7.5 percent), and Duval County adds 1.5 percent (total 7.5 percent). Smaller counties like Gilchrist and Lafayette add only 0.5 percent (total 6.5 percent).
The easiest way to find your county's rate is to search "Florida sales tax [your county name]" or check the Florida Department of Revenue website, which lists all 67 rates. If you shop in multiple counties, you will encounter different totals at the register.
What is and is not taxed in Florida
Sales tax applies to most tangible goods — clothing, electronics, furniture, and household items. It also applies to many services: haircuts, repair work, and entertainment tickets are all taxed. However, Florida exempts certain necessities from sales tax.
Exempt items include: groceries and food for home consumption, prescription medications, insulin and diabetic supplies, prosthetic devices, mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes), hearing aids, and certain medical equipment. Clothing and footwear are taxed, but diapers and incontinence products are exempt. If you are unsure whether a specific item is taxed, the retailer's receipt will show whether tax was charged.
How sales tax works on online and out-of-state purchases
If you order from an online retailer that has a warehouse, office, or other physical location in Florida, Florida sales tax applies to your order. This includes major retailers like Amazon (which has fulfillment centers in Florida) and most national chains. The tax is calculated based on the delivery address, so if you live in Hillsborough County, you pay Hillsborough's combined rate even if you order from out of state.
If you order from a seller with no physical presence in Florida, Florida sales tax typically does not apply — though the seller may charge their home state's tax instead. This distinction matters less than it once did, because most large retailers now collect Florida tax regardless.
Sales tax on services and rentals
Services are taxed differently than goods. A haircut, plumbing repair, or car wash is subject to sales tax. Rental of tangible property — a car, equipment, or party supplies — is also taxed. However, some services are exempt: medical and dental services, legal services, and accounting services do not carry sales tax.
Short-term rental of lodging (hotels, motels, vacation rentals under 30 days) is subject to sales tax plus a separate tourist development tax that varies by county. Long-term rentals of residential property are not subject to sales tax.
Sales tax on vehicles and fuel
When you buy a car in Florida, sales tax applies to the purchase price. The rate is the combined state and local rate for the county where the sale occurs. If you buy a used car from a private seller, you still owe sales tax when you register it with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles — you pay it at the time of registration, not at the point of sale.
Gasoline and diesel fuel are subject to sales tax, plus a separate fuel tax. The fuel tax is set by the state and does not vary by county. Both taxes are usually included in the price you see on the pump.
Who collects and where the money goes
Retailers collect sales tax at the point of sale and remit it to the Florida Department of Revenue. The state keeps the 6 percent portion and distributes the local portion to each county. Counties use their local sales tax revenue for schools, infrastructure, public safety, and other services. The split between state and local varies by county based on how much local tax each county has authorized.
If you believe you were overcharged sales tax, check your receipt against the rate for your county. Retailers sometimes make errors. Contact the retailer first; if they do not correct it, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a sales tax holiday in Florida?
Yes. Florida holds a back-to-school sales tax holiday in August, when clothing, school supplies, and certain other items are temporarily exempt from sales tax. The state also occasionally holds other short-term holidays for specific categories. Check the Florida Department of Revenue website in July or August to confirm dates and which items may have access to.
Do I pay sales tax on items I buy out of state and bring into Florida?
No. Sales tax is paid where the purchase occurs. If you buy something in Georgia and bring it home to Florida, you do not owe Florida sales tax on it. However, if you order it online and have it shipped to Florida, the seller may charge Florida tax depending on whether they have a physical presence in the state.
What if a store charges me the wrong sales tax rate?
Ask the cashier or manager to correct it on the spot. If they refuse or you notice the error after leaving, contact the store's customer service. Keep your receipt as proof. If the store does not respond, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Revenue, though recovery of small amounts is difficult.
Are streaming services and digital downloads taxed in Florida?
Yes. Subscriptions to streaming services, digital music, e-books, and software downloads are subject to Florida sales tax. The tax is based on your billing address in Florida. Some services may show the tax separately on your bill; others include it in the advertised price.