The Florida sales tax rate is 6% at the state level, and this calculator has it preset. Type any purchase amount to see the state tax and the total. Note that Florida counties may add a discretionary sales surtax, so the combined rate where you shop can be higher than 6%.
Purchase details
Breakdown
State base rates used here
| State | Base rate | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 6.25% | Local add-ons vary by city/county |
| Florida | 6% | County discretionary surtax may apply |
| California | 7.25% | District taxes can raise the combined rate |
| New York | 4% | County/city add-ons vary; NYC higher |
What is the Florida sales tax rate?
The Florida state sales tax rate is 6% on most sales of tangible personal property and certain services. The calculator above applies 6% automatically: enter any amount to see the tax and the total. The rate has been stable for many years and applies uniformly statewide, since Florida has no personal income tax and leans on sales tax for revenue.Florida, like Texas, has no personal income tax, so sales tax carries significant weight in state revenue. The 6% state rate has been stable for many years and applies uniformly across the state. For quick mental math, 6% of any price is easy: move the decimal one place left and take a bit more than half (6% of $50 is $3.00).
What is the Florida discretionary sales surtax?
Florida counties may impose a discretionary sales surtax, an added local tax that commonly ranges from 0.5% to 1.5% depending on the county. It stacks on top of the 6% state rate at checkout. Voters typically approve it to fund infrastructure, schools or transit, which is why identical items can total differently in neighboring counties.The surtax funds county-level needs like infrastructure, schools or transit, and voters typically approve it. Because it varies by county, two stores in different counties can show different totals for the same item. Tourist destinations may also layer on additional local taxes, especially on lodging. This calculator uses the 6% state base rate only; type your full combined rate for an exact total.
What is exempt from sales tax in Florida?
Florida exempts most unprepared groceries, prescription drugs and certain medical items from sales tax. Like most states, it taxes prepared food and restaurant meals. Florida also runs periodic sales-tax holidays, for example on back-to-school items or hurricane supplies, when qualifying purchases are temporarily exempt from tax.Florida also runs periodic sales-tax holidays (for example on back-to-school items or hurricane supplies), during which qualifying items are temporarily exempt. Dates and qualifying items change, so check the Florida Department of Revenue announcements before a big purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Florida sales tax rate the same in every county?
The 6% state portion is the same statewide, but counties add a discretionary sales surtax, so combined rates differ by county.
Does Florida tax groceries?
Most unprepared groceries are exempt. Prepared foods, soft drinks and restaurant meals are generally taxable.
Why is tax higher in tourist areas?
Tourist-heavy counties often stack discretionary surtaxes and tourism-related taxes, raising the combined rate visitors pay.