Florida's Sales Tax Rate and What It Covers

Florida's statewide sales tax is 6 percent

Florida charges a 6 percent sales tax on most goods and some services. This is the base rate that applies across the entire state. However, most Florida counties add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate, so the total you pay at checkout varies by location — typically between 6 and 7.5 percent depending on which county you're in.

The state collects this tax at the point of sale. When you buy something in a store or online from a Florida seller, the tax is calculated and added to your total before you pay. The retailer then sends the collected tax to the Florida Department of Revenue.

Key Takeaways

• Florida's state sales tax rate is 6 percent, but your actual tax rate depends on your county's local add-on, which ranges from 0 to 1.5 percent.
• Sales tax applies to most tangible goods like clothing, food, and electronics, but not to services like haircuts, repairs, or professional fees.
• Groceries and prescription medications are exempt from sales tax in Florida, though prepared foods and over-the-counter drugs are taxed.
• Online purchases from Florida-based sellers are subject to sales tax; out-of-state sellers may or may not collect it depending on their nexus in Florida.

How county add-ons change your total tax rate

While the state rate is fixed at 6 percent, 67 Florida counties impose additional local sales taxes that range from 0 to 1.5 percent. This means your actual sales tax rate at the register depends entirely on which county you're shopping in. For example, Miami-Dade County adds 1 percent to the state rate, bringing the total to 7 percent, while some other counties add less.

You can find your county's exact rate by searching the Florida Department of Revenue website or asking a retailer in your area. The combined rate is what you see charged on your receipt.

What is and isn't taxed in Florida

Sales tax in Florida applies to tangible personal property — items you can touch and hold. This includes clothing, electronics, furniture, toys, and most other goods. It also applies to certain services, though services are generally not taxed in Florida.

Groceries intended for home consumption are exempt from sales tax, which means items like bread, milk, vegetables, and canned goods are not taxed. Prescription medications are also exempt. However, prepared foods — items from a deli counter, restaurant, or food truck — are taxed. Over-the-counter medications and vitamins are taxed as well.

Services like haircuts, car repairs, medical visits, and legal information are not subject to sales tax in Florida. Rental of tangible goods, such as car rentals or equipment rentals, is taxed.

Sales tax on online purchases

If you buy from a Florida-based online retailer, sales tax is added to your order just as it would be in a physical store. The retailer collects the tax based on the delivery address in Florida and sends it to the state.

When you order from an out-of-state retailer, whether they collect Florida sales tax depends on whether they have a legal presence (called "nexus") in Florida. Large online retailers like Amazon typically collect sales tax on Florida orders. Smaller sellers may not. If sales tax is not collected at purchase, Florida law does not require individual consumers to pay it later, though this remains an area of ongoing legal change.

Tax-exempt purchases and who qualifies

Certain organizations and individuals can make purchases without paying sales tax in Florida. These include registered nonprofits, government agencies, and schools, provided they have a tax exemption certificate from the Florida Department of Revenue. A business buying items for resale can also avoid sales tax by providing a resale certificate to the seller.

Individual consumers do not have a general sales tax exemption. However, if you are buying groceries or prescription medications, those items are automatically exempt at checkout — you do not need to do anything or provide documentation.

How to find the exact rate for your location

The easiest way to find your county's combined sales tax rate is to visit the Florida Department of Revenue website and use their sales tax rate lookup tool. You can search by county name or ZIP code. Alternatively, you can call the department's customer service line or ask a cashier at any local retailer.

Keep in mind that the rate you see online is the combined state and county rate — this is the total percentage that will be added to your purchase at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on clothes in Florida?

Yes. Clothing is subject to Florida's 6 percent state sales tax plus any local county add-on. There is no clothing exemption in Florida, unlike some other states.

Is food always tax-free in Florida?

Groceries for home consumption are tax-free, but prepared foods are taxed. This means a sandwich from a deli counter, a meal from a restaurant, and food from a food truck all have sales tax added. Unprepared items like bread, produce, and canned goods do not.

What's the difference between state and local sales tax?

The state collects 6 percent and sends it to the Florida Department of Revenue. Your county collects its add-on (0 to 1.5 percent) and keeps that money for local services. Both are added together and charged at the register.

Do I owe sales tax on online orders from out-of-state sellers?

Most large online retailers now collect Florida sales tax on orders shipped to Florida addresses. Smaller sellers may not. If tax is not collected at purchase, Florida does not currently require individual consumers to pay it later, though tax law continues to change.

Can I get a sales tax refund if I overpaid?

If you believe you were charged sales tax on an exempt item like groceries or prescription medications, you can contact the retailer to request a refund. For other disputes, contact the Florida Department of Revenue with your receipt and details.