You’re standing at the register in a Miami CVS, holding a bottle of water and a bag of Snickers. The cashier rings it up, and suddenly the math in your head doesn't match the screen. Why is the water tax-free but the chocolate isn't? Welcome to the confusing, sun-drenched world of Florida's tax code.
Whats florida sales tax isn't just one number. Most people will tell you it’s 6%. They’re half right. While the state takes its 6% cut, almost every county adds its own "discretionary surtax," pushing your actual total to 6.5%, 7%, or even 7.5% depending on which side of a county line you’re standing on.
The 6% Myth and the County Reality
Florida is one of those rare states with no personal income tax. Because of that, the government is hungry for sales tax revenue to keep the lights on and the roads paved. The baseline is 6%. That’s the state's "minimum."
But honestly, you’ll rarely pay just 6%. Most counties, like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Pinellas, tack on an extra 1%. This brings the total to 7%. Some places keep it chill at 6.5%, like Orange County (home to Orlando’s big mice). If you’re buying a car or a boat, that extra 1% adds up fast.
There is a weird little loophole called the "surtax cap." For most big-ticket items—think a $20,000 truck—the county’s extra percentage usually only applies to the first $5,000 of the purchase price. The state’s 6% still applies to the whole thing, but your local tax won’t bleed you dry on the full twenty grand. It’s a small mercy.
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What is Actually Taxable?
Not everything that leaves a store shelf is treated equally. Florida has some of the most specific—and frankly, strange—exemptions in the country.
The Grocery Store Divide
Groceries are generally tax-free. If you buy a gallon of milk, raw chicken, or a bag of apples, you aren't paying sales tax. But the second you buy "prepared food," the state wants its cut. A rotisserie chicken that’s hot under a heat lamp? Taxable. That same chicken, cooled down and put in the fridge case? Tax-free. It's wild.
The Candy and Soda Rule
Sugar is the enemy of tax exemptions. Soda is taxable. Candy is taxable. If you’re buying "food products" for immediate consumption, you're paying. However, most bakery items are exempt, provided the bakery doesn't have seating. If there are tables, the state thinks you’re a restaurant, and the tax man comes calling.
The "Hygiene" Break
In a move that actually helps regular people, Florida recently made several essential items permanently tax-free. This includes things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and even certain baby products. You don't have to wait for a "holiday" to save on these; they’re just exempt now.
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Sales Tax Holidays You Should Actually Care About
Florida loves a tax holiday. It’s basically a state-sponsored shopping spree. For 2026, the calendar is packed with dates where the whats florida sales tax question becomes "zero."
- Back-to-School (August 1–31, 2026): This is the big one. For the entire month of August, you can grab clothes and shoes under $100, school supplies under $50, and even personal computers under $1,500 without paying a dime in sales tax.
- Disaster Preparedness: Usually happening in May and again in September, this covers generators, batteries, and tarps.
- Freedom Summer: This typically runs from May through September and covers admissions to museums, state parks, and even theater tickets.
It’s worth noting that these holidays aren't valid everywhere. If you’re at a theme park or an airport, they’ll still charge you. The state isn't that generous.
For the Business Owners: The New 2026 Rules
If you’re running a business in the Sunshine State, things got a lot simpler—and a little more digital—this year. The Florida Department of Revenue (FDOR) officially retired the old filing system. You now have to use the modernized eFile and Pay system. If you haven't migrated your login yet, you're already behind.
The biggest win for businesses lately was the repeal of the state sales tax on commercial rent. As of late 2025, if you’re renting office space or a warehouse, you no longer have to pay that 4.5% (or more) tax on your lease. That’s thousands of dollars staying in the pockets of small business owners.
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Dealing with "Nexus"
If you sell stuff online to Floridians but live in, say, Ohio, you might still owe Florida money. Florida follows "economic nexus" rules. If your business does more than $100,000 in taxable sales to Florida residents in a calendar year, you are legally required to register with the FDOR and collect sales tax.
Don't ignore this. Florida's auditors are notoriously thorough. They use data sharing with other states to find out who is shipping what and where. If they catch you, they won't just ask for the tax; they'll slap on interest and penalties that can double the bill.
Actionable Steps for Staying Tax-Compliant
Whether you're a shopper trying to save or a pro trying to stay legal, here is how you handle it:
- Check your zip code: Use the FDOR’s online rate lookup tool. Never assume it's 6%.
- Save your receipts for big items: If you’re moving into Florida and bringing a car you bought less than six months ago, you might owe "use tax" to bridge the gap between what you paid in your old state and what Florida charges.
- Verify your Exemption Certificate: If you're a wholesaler, ensure your DR-13 (Resale Certificate) is updated for 2026. The FDOR has been purging old, inactive accounts lately.
- Time your "safety" buys: Since items like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are now permanently exempt, don't feel pressured to buy them only during the Disaster Preparedness holiday. You can get the tax break today.
Knowing whats florida sales tax isn't just about knowing a percentage. It’s about knowing when the rules change and which items the state considers "essential." Keep an eye on the August calendar for those back-to-school savings, and if you're a business, make sure your software is updated to reflect the 0% commercial rent rate.