Florida's sales tax is 6 percent statewide, but most counties add a local tax on top of that, bringing the total to 6.5 or 7 percent depending on where you shop.

The state collects 6 percent on most goods and services. Your county or municipality may add between 0.5 and 1.5 percent more. A few counties have no additional local tax, so you pay exactly 6 percent there. Most do not. The total rate you see at checkout depends on your location, not on where a business is based.

Florida has no income tax on wages, retirement income, or investment gains. The sales tax is the main way the state funds itself. This means you will see tax added at the register on nearly everything you buy, but you will not see it taken from your paycheck.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's base sales tax is 6 percent statewide, but most counties add a local portion that raises the total to 6.5 or 7 percent.
  • The tax rate that applies is determined by where you make the purchase, not where the business is headquartered or where you live.
  • Florida has no state income tax on wages, pensions, or investment income, so sales tax is the primary state revenue source.
  • 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 sales tax rates

Alachua County charges 7.5 percent total (6 percent state plus 1.5 percent local). Brevard County is 7 percent. Broward County is 7 percent. Duval County is 7 percent. Hillsborough County is 7.5 percent. Miami-Dade County is 7 percent. Orange County is 6.5 percent. Pinellas County is 7.5 percent. Polk County is 7.5 percent. Volusia County is 7 percent.

If you live in or are shopping in a county not listed here, contact your county tax collector's office or check the Florida Department of Revenue website for the exact rate. Rates can change, and a few smaller counties have different local rates than the ones shown above. The rate you pay is always the one in effect on the date of purchase.

What is and is not taxed

Exempt from sales tax: Groceries (unprepared food), prescription medications, medical equipment prescribed by a doctor, and certain services like haircuts and repairs. Prepared food — anything served hot or eaten on premises — is taxed.

Taxed: Clothing, shoes, household goods, gasoline, restaurant meals, alcohol, tobacco, and most services. Clothing under $100 per item is not taxed in some states, but Florida taxes all clothing regardless of price.

The line between taxed and exempt can be unclear. A sandwich from a deli counter is taxed because it is prepared food. A loaf of bread from the shelf is not. A bottle of vitamins is taxed; a prescription medication is not. When in doubt, ask the cashier or check your receipt after purchase — if you were charged incorrectly, you can request a refund.

How tax is calculated and displayed

The price on the shelf or menu does not include sales tax. Tax is calculated on the subtotal and added at checkout. A $10 item in a county with 7 percent tax costs $10.70 at the register. A $50 restaurant bill becomes $53.50.

Businesses are required to display the tax rate at the point of sale — usually on a sign near the register or on the receipt itself. If you do not see it, you can ask. The tax collected by the business is sent to the state and local government, not kept by the retailer.

Sales tax on online and mail orders

If you order online from a company that has a warehouse, office, or other physical location in Florida, sales tax is charged. If the company ships from outside Florida and has no presence in the state, tax may not be charged — though this depends on the seller's policies and the law at the time of purchase.

Most large online retailers now collect Florida sales tax on all orders shipped to Florida addresses, regardless of where they are based. Smaller sellers may not. If you are unsure whether tax should have been charged, check your order confirmation or contact the seller.

Resale certificates and business purchases

If you are a business buying goods to resell, you can provide a resale certificate to avoid paying sales tax on your purchase. You will pay tax only when you sell the item to a customer. To obtain a resale certificate, register with the Florida Department of Revenue and request one. The process is done online through the department's website.

Resale certificates are for businesses only. If you are buying for personal use, you pay tax. If you are unsure whether you need one, contact the Florida Department of Revenue or speak with a tax professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on groceries?

No. Unprepared food — items you take home and cook — is not taxed. This includes meat, produce, bread, milk, and canned goods. Prepared food, hot food, and food eaten on premises is taxed. A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store deli is taxed; a raw chicken from the meat counter is not.

Is clothing taxed in Florida?

Yes. All clothing is taxed in Florida, regardless of price. A $5 shirt and a $500 coat are both subject to sales tax. Some states exempt clothing under a certain price, but Florida does not.

What if I buy something online from a company outside Florida?

If the company has no physical presence in Florida, they may not charge tax. However, most large retailers now charge Florida tax on all orders shipped to Florida. Check your order confirmation to see if tax was included. If you believe tax should have been charged or should not have been, contact the seller.

Can I get a refund if I was charged the wrong tax amount?

Yes. If you believe you were overcharged or charged tax on an exempt item, ask the business for a refund. Keep your receipt. If the business refuses, you can contact the Florida Department of Revenue to file a complaint, though refunds are typically handled between you and the seller.

Does Florida tax services like haircuts or car repairs?

Most services are taxed in Florida. Haircuts, repairs, cleaning, and labor are subject to sales tax. Some services are exempt — check with the provider or the Florida Department of Revenue if you are unsure about a specific service.