what is the sales tax in florida

Florida’s statewide sales tax rate is 6%, but many counties add an extra local surtax, so what you actually pay is often between about 6% and 7.5–8.5% depending on where you are in the state.

Basic sales tax in Florida

• The general state sales tax rate in Florida is 6% on most taxable purchases.

• On a $100 taxable purchase, the base state tax alone would be $6, before any county surtax.

Local surtax (county add‑ons)

• Many Florida counties charge a “discretionary sales surtax” on top of the 6% state rate, typically ranging from about 0.5% up to around 2.5%.

• That means combined rates in some areas can reach roughly 7.5% and, under certain local options, as high as about 8.5%.

Real‑world example

• In a county with a 1.5% surtax, your combined rate would be 7.5% (6% state + 1.5% county), so a $100 purchase would incur $7.50 in sales tax.

• Some cities like Orlando show a 6.5% combined rate (6% state + 0.5% local) for 2026.

Special Florida rates and exceptions

• Certain items have different state rates, such as electricity at about 6.95%, amusement machine receipts at about 4%, and some real‑property rentals at about 4.5%.

• Groceries and some prescription medications are typically exempt from general state sales tax, though details and edge cases depend on Florida’s specific tax rules.

How to find your exact rate

• Because the surtax is county‑specific (and can change), the most reliable way to get your precise current rate is to use an official lookup from the Florida Department of Revenue or a reputable tax‑rate calculator for your ZIP code.

• When in doubt—especially for business or large purchases—checking the latest official guidance or asking a tax professional is recommended so you don’t under‑ or over‑collect tax.

TL;DR: Florida’s base sales tax is 6%; your actual rate at the register is usually 6–7.5% (up to about 8.5% in some counties) once local surtaxes are added.