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 make the purchase, because counties and municipalities can add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate.
The combined rate you pay ranges from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on your county. Some counties add 0.5 percent, others add 1 percent or more. A few counties stay at the state minimum of 6 percent. The tax is calculated on the sale price and added at checkout — it is not included in the price tag.
Key Takeaways
- Florida's base sales tax is 6 percent statewide, but your county may add local tax on top of that.
- Combined rates range from 6 percent to 7.5 percent depending on which county you are in.
- Sales tax applies to most tangible goods, but not to groceries, prescription medications, or most services.
- You pay the tax at the register; it is not included in the advertised price.
Combined sales tax rates by county
The following table shows the total sales tax rate in each Florida county. The rate includes both the state 6 percent and any local additions:
| County | Combined Rate |
|---|---|
| Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, Washington | 6.0% to 7.5% |
The variation exists because each county has the authority to impose a discretionary sales surtax. Some counties use this revenue for infrastructure, schools, or public services. The exact rate in your county is set by local ordinance and can change, though changes are infrequent.
To find your exact local rate, contact your county tax collector's office or check the Florida Department of Revenue website, which maintains a current list by county. If you are shopping near a county line, the rate that applies is the one in the county where the sale takes place, not where you live.
What is and is not taxed
Sales tax applies to most tangible goods — clothing, electronics, furniture, household items, and similar products. It also applies to some services, though service taxation is more limited than goods taxation.
Groceries and food are generally not taxed in Florida. This includes items from a grocery store like bread, milk, produce, and canned goods. However, prepared food — restaurant meals, hot deli items, and food from a food truck — is taxed.
Prescription medications are not taxed. Over-the-counter medications and vitamins are taxed. Medical devices and equipment vary; some are taxed and some are not depending on the specific item and how it is classified.
Most services are not subject to sales tax in Florida. This includes haircuts, repairs, legal services, and medical services. However, some specific services are taxed, such as certain telecommunications services and short-term rental accommodations.
How sales tax is calculated at checkout
The sales tax is calculated on the subtotal of your purchase before any discounts or coupons are applied. If you have a coupon that reduces the price, the tax is calculated on the reduced amount. If you are paying with a gift card or store credit, tax still applies to the full purchase price.
The tax amount is added to your subtotal and shown separately on your receipt. For example, if you buy $100 in taxable items in a county with a 7 percent combined rate, you pay $107 total — the $100 plus $7 in tax.
Some retailers round the final total to the nearest cent if the calculation results in a fraction of a cent. This rounding is permitted by Florida law and is standard practice.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
If you order from an online retailer and have it shipped to Florida, you generally owe Florida sales tax on that purchase. Many large online retailers now collect and remit this tax automatically, so you see it added at checkout. If the retailer does not collect it, you may owe it as part of your state income tax return, though this is rarely enforced for individual purchases.
If you order from outside Florida and have it shipped to another state, you do not owe Florida sales tax. The tax owed is based on the destination state's rules.
Marketplace facilitators — companies like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy that host third-party sellers — are required to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of those sellers. This means tax is collected even if the individual seller would not normally be required to do so.
Sales tax on vehicles and boats
Motor vehicles and boats are subject to sales tax in Florida, but the calculation and payment process is different from regular retail purchases. When you buy a vehicle or boat, you pay sales tax based on the purchase price. The tax is typically collected by the dealer at the time of sale.
If you buy a vehicle or boat from a private party, you still owe sales tax. You pay it to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles when you register the vehicle or to the county tax collector when you register the boat. The tax is calculated on the purchase price or the assessed value, whichever is higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate where I live?
Contact your county tax collector's office or visit the Florida Department of Revenue website to find your exact combined rate. Rates vary by county and range from 6 percent to 7.5 percent. The rate that applies is the one in the county where you make the purchase.
Is sales tax included in the price tag?
No. The price tag shows the pre-tax price. Sales tax is calculated and added at checkout. The amount varies depending on your county's combined rate.
Do I pay sales tax on groceries?
No, groceries from a store are not taxed. This includes bread, milk, produce, and canned goods. However, prepared food from restaurants, delis, and food trucks is taxed.
Do I owe sales tax on items I buy online?
Yes, you owe Florida sales tax on items shipped to Florida, regardless of where the retailer is located. Most large retailers collect this tax at checkout. If they do not, you may owe it on your state tax return.
Is sales tax charged on services?
Most services in Florida are not taxed, including haircuts, repairs, and medical services. Some specific services like telecommunications and short-term rentals are taxed. Check with the service provider if you are unsure.