Updated for 2026
If you’re wondering what the Florida sales tax rate is, the answer depends on where you make your purchase. While Florida has a statewide sales tax of 6%, most counties add a discretionary sales surtax, resulting in total sales tax rates ranging from 6% to 8% across the state.
Whether you’re shopping for furniture, electronics, vehicles, or planning a vacation in Florida, understanding your local sales tax rate can help you estimate the total cost of your purchase.
What Is the Florida Sales Tax Rate?
Florida’s state sales tax is 6%. Counties may add a local discretionary sales surtax, which increases the total sales tax collected on most retail purchases.
Depending on the county, the total sales tax rate ranges from:
- 6.0% in counties with no discretionary surtax
- 6.5%
- 7.0%
- 7.5%
- 8.0% in the highest-tax counties
The discretionary surtax is established by each county and may change from year to year after voter approval or county action.
Central Florida Sales Tax Rates (2026)
If you’re visiting the Orlando area, these are the current combined sales tax rates:
County Total Sales Tax Rate
Orange 6.5%
Seminole 7.0%
Osceola 7.5%
Lake 7.0%
Polk 7.0%
Although neighboring counties may have different tax rates, the difference is usually only one-half or one percent.
Is It Worth Driving to Another County to Save Sales Tax?
For most purchases, probably not.
For example, if you purchase a $500 television:
In Orange County (6.5%), you’ll pay $32.50 in sales tax.
In Lake County (7.0%), you’ll pay $35.00 in sales tax.
That’s a difference of only $2.50.
Even on a $2,000 appliance, the difference between a 6.5% and 7.0% sales tax rate is only $10. Fuel costs and travel time often outweigh any potential savings.
Florida Sales Tax on Cars
Many people assume they can save money by purchasing a vehicle in a county with a lower sales tax rate.
In most cases, that’s not how Florida sales tax works.
When purchasing a vehicle, trailer, boat, or other titled property, Florida sales tax is generally based on the county where the vehicle will be registered or titled, not necessarily where it was purchased.
Likewise, many items delivered to your home are taxed based on the destination county.
Florida Hotel Tax
Hotels, vacation rentals, VRBO properties, and Airbnb rentals are subject to additional Florida Hotel Tax Rates beyond the standard Florida sales tax.
Lodging taxes generally include:
- Florida’s 6% state sales tax
- The county discretionary sales surtax
- A county tourist development tax (often called the “bed tax” or transient rental tax)
Because tourist taxes vary by county, hotel tax rates differ throughout Florida.
Florida’s $5,000 Surtax Limit
One important rule many shoppers don’t know about is Florida’s $5,000 discretionary sales surtax limit.
For many purchases of tangible personal property, the county discretionary surtax applies only to the first $5,000 of the purchase price. The 6% state sales tax continues to apply to the full purchase price.
Certain transactions, including commercial rentals and some taxable services, follow different rules, so businesses should consult the Florida Department of Revenue or a tax professional.
Florida Sales Tax by County (2026)
Florida has 67 counties. Each county charges the statewide 6% sales tax, and many also collect a local discretionary sales surtax.
The following table lists the combined Florida sales tax rate by county for 2026.
County Sales Tax Rates
Discretionary Sales Surtax Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Florida state sales tax?
Florida’s statewide sales tax rate is 6%.
Which Florida county has the lowest sales tax?
Several counties charge only the 6% state sales tax because they do not impose a discretionary surtax.
Which Florida county has the highest sales tax?
The highest combined sales tax rate in Florida is 8%, which applies in select counties with a 2% discretionary surtax.
Is Orlando sales tax different from the rest of Florida?
Yes. Orlando is located in Orange County, where the combined sales tax rate is 6.5%.
Does online shopping charge Florida sales tax?
Yes. Most online retailers collecting Florida sales tax charge the rate based on the delivery address.
Are groceries taxed in Florida?
Most unprepared grocery food items are exempt from Florida sales tax. Prepared foods, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, candy in some situations, and restaurant meals are generally taxable.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s sales tax system is straightforward once you understand how the state sales tax and county discretionary surtaxes work together. While tax rates vary slightly from county to county, the difference on most purchases is relatively small.
Before making a major purchase, it’s always a good idea to verify your county’s current sales tax rate. Knowing how Florida calculates sales tax on vehicles, delivered items, and lodging can also help you avoid unexpected costs.
Whether you’re a Florida resident, new homeowner, business owner, or visitor planning a vacation, understanding Florida’s sales tax rates can help you budget more accurately and make informed purchasing decisions.
