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, your actual tax rate depends on where you live or shop, because counties and cities can add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate.

The total you pay ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on your county. A few counties charge the minimum (state rate only), while others layer on local taxes that push the total higher. When you see a price tag, the tax shown at checkout reflects your specific location's combined rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's state sales tax is 6 percent, but your total rate includes county and local taxes that vary by location.
  • Combined sales tax rates in Florida range from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on which county you are in.
  • Some counties add 0.5 percent or 1 percent in local tax, while others add nothing beyond the state rate.
  • Sales tax applies to most physical goods, but not to groceries, prescription medications, or most services.

County and local tax rates vary across Florida

Thirty-one of Florida's 67 counties charge only the state rate of 6 percent. The remaining counties have added local option sales taxes that range from 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent on top of the state rate.

Counties with higher combined rates include Miami-Dade (7 percent), Broward (7 percent), Hillsborough (7.5 percent), Orange (6.5 percent), and Duval (7 percent). If you live in or travel to one of these areas, you will pay more than the base 6 percent. Smaller or rural counties often stick to the state rate alone.

City taxes can also apply in some places, though this is less common. A few municipalities have added their own small tax on top of county and state rates. The easiest way to know your exact rate is to check your receipt after a purchase, or to contact your county tax collector's office.

What is and is not taxed in Florida

Sales tax in Florida applies to most tangible goods — clothing, electronics, furniture, toys, and similar items. It also applies to prepared food, restaurant meals, and beverages. However, several categories are exempt from sales tax.

Groceries (unprepared food you cook at home) are not taxed. Prescription medications are not taxed. Most services — haircuts, car repairs, legal advice, medical care — are not taxed. Utilities like electricity and water are not taxed. Digital goods and software subscriptions vary; some are taxed and some are not depending on how they are classified.

The line between taxed and exempt can be unclear. For example, a sandwich you buy at a deli counter is taxed as prepared food, but a loaf of bread from the grocery shelf is not. If you are unsure whether something will be taxed, ask the cashier or check the receipt.

How sales tax is collected and paid

Retailers collect sales tax at the point of sale and send it to the Florida Department of Revenue. You do not file a separate form or send tax to the state yourself — the store handles it. The tax is included in the total price you pay at checkout.

Businesses that sell taxable goods must register with the state and file sales tax returns, usually monthly or quarterly depending on their sales volume. The state uses this revenue to fund schools, infrastructure, and other public services. As a consumer, you simply pay the tax shown on your receipt.

Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases

If you order something online from a retailer that has a physical location in Florida or meets certain sales thresholds, Florida sales tax applies to your order. This includes purchases from large national retailers and marketplaces like Amazon.

If you order from a small out-of-state seller with no Florida presence, sales tax may not be collected at checkout. However, Florida law requires you to report and pay use tax on such purchases when you file your state income tax return. In practice, most individuals do not do this, and the state does not actively enforce it for personal purchases. The requirement exists mainly for business purchases.

Tax-free shopping periods in Florida

Florida holds a back-to-school tax-free holiday each year, usually in early August. During this period (typically five days), school supplies, clothing, and footwear under certain price limits are sold without sales tax. The exact dates and item limits change each year, so check the Florida Department of Revenue website before the holiday begins.

Other states have broader tax-free periods, but Florida's is limited to the back-to-school window. There is no statewide tax-free holiday for other seasons or categories of goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sales tax rate in my specific county?

Your county's rate is either 6 percent (state only) or 6 percent plus a local add-on of 0.5 to 1.5 percent, for a total between 6 and 7.5 percent. The fastest way to find your exact rate is to check your last receipt, call your county tax collector's office, or search "Florida sales tax [your county name]" online.

Do I pay sales tax on groceries?

No. Unprepared food you buy at a grocery store — produce, meat, bread, canned goods, dairy — is not taxed. However, prepared food like deli sandwiches, hot pizza, or restaurant meals are taxed. Some items like candy and soft drinks are taxed even in grocery stores because they are not classified as food.

Is sales tax included in the price shown on the shelf?

No. Prices on tags and online do not include sales tax. The tax is added at checkout based on your location's combined rate. This is why the final amount you pay is higher than the advertised price.

Do I have to pay sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?

No. Most services in Florida are not subject to sales tax. This includes haircuts, medical care, legal advice, plumbing, and auto repair. However, if you buy a product as part of the service (like hair products at a salon), that product may be taxed.