Sales Tax in Florida
Florida's state sales tax rate is 6%, but the rate you actually pay depends on which county you're standing in -- most counties add a discretionary surtax on top, and those local rates range from zero to 2%. Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt statewide, which matters more to household budgets than the headline rate itself.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreThe state rate, and how county surtaxes stack on top
Florida's base state sales tax rate is 6%. On top of that, each county sets its own discretionary surtax, generally ranging from 0.5% to 2% for 2026, producing combined rates that run from 6% to 8% depending on where you're shopping. The statewide average combined rate works out to roughly 7.02%. A technical wrinkle worth knowing: the county surtax portion applies only to the first $5,000 of a single item's sales price (relevant for large purchases like a car or boat), while the 6% state rate applies to the full purchase price regardless of amount.
Which counties charge the most and least
For 2026, Hamilton County has the highest combined rate in the state at 8% (the 6% state rate plus a 2% county surtax). Citrus and Collier counties charge no discretionary surtax at all, so shoppers there pay just the 6% state rate -- the lowest combined rate in Florida. Rates do change year to year: Palm Beach County, for example, cut its surtax from 1% to 0.5% for 2026, dropping its combined rate from 7% to 6.5%. Always confirm your specific county's current rate rather than assuming the statewide average applies.
What's exempt: groceries and prescription drugs
Unprepared food intended to be eaten at home -- fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and similar grocery staples -- is exempt from Florida sales tax statewide. Prepared food, restaurant meals, candy, and soft drinks, by contrast, are fully taxable. Prescription medications filled by a licensed pharmacy are also exempt from sales tax, covering both maintenance medications for chronic conditions and acute-care prescriptions, for both human and veterinary use.
How Florida compares nationally
Florida ranks 23rd highest among all states for combined state-and-local sales tax rates -- squarely in the middle of the national pack, not a standout either way. For a state with no income tax, that middle-of-the-road sales tax rate is worth noting: Florida doesn't fully make up lost income-tax revenue through an unusually aggressive sales tax the way some other no-income-tax states do.
Key takeaways
- Florida's base state sales tax is 6%; county discretionary surtaxes (0.5%-2% for 2026) bring combined rates to 6%-8% depending on location, averaging about 7.02% statewide.
- Hamilton County has the highest combined rate for 2026 (8%); Citrus and Collier counties charge no surtax at all (6% combined) -- confirm your specific county, since rates change year to year.
- Groceries (unprepared food for home consumption) and prescription drugs are exempt statewide; prepared food, restaurant meals, candy, and soft drinks are fully taxable.
- Florida ranks 23rd nationally for combined sales tax rate -- middle of the pack, not an outlier despite having no state income tax.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Florida overview for the complete picture, or explore individual cities and towns we've researched.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert