Are you planning to make purchases in Florida? If so, it's important to be aware of the state's sales tax rate. Florida has a fairly straightforward sales tax system, with a statewide general sales tax rate of 6%. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and the tax rate can vary depending on the type of goods or services you're purchasing.
In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of the Florida sales tax rate in 2021. We'll cover everything you need to know, including the general sales tax rate, special tax rates, and how to calculate the total cost of your purchases. So if you're planning a shopping trip to Florida, be sure to read this article first!
Now that you have a basic understanding of the Florida sales tax rate, let's take a closer look at the specifics.
florida sales tax rate 2021
Here are 10 important points about the Florida sales tax rate in 2021:
- General rate: 6%
- Food and beverages: 0%
- Prescription drugs: 0%
- Clothing: 0% (up to $50 per item)
- School supplies: 0% (during certain periods)
- Hurricane preparedness items: 0% (during hurricane season)
- Local option tax: Up to 1%
- Sales tax holidays: Yes
- Taxable services: Yes
- Tax calculation: Total cost x tax rate
Remember, these are just the highlights. For more detailed information, please consult the Florida Department of Revenue website.
General rate: 6%
The general sales tax rate in Florida is 6%. This means that for every $100 you spend on taxable goods or services, you will pay $6 in sales tax. The general sales tax rate applies to most goods and services, including:
- Clothing (over $50 per item)
- Electronics
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Cosmetics
- Personal care items
- Sporting goods
- Toys
- Restaurant meals
- Hotel stays
There are a few exceptions to the general sales tax rate. For example, food and beverages, prescription drugs, and clothing under $50 are exempt from sales tax. Additionally, some counties and cities in Florida have a local option sales tax, which can add up to 1% to the total sales tax rate.
To calculate the total cost of your purchase, simply multiply the price of the item by the sales tax rate. For example, if you buy a shirt that costs $20, you will pay $1.20 in sales tax, for a total cost of $21.20.
It's important to note that the Florida sales tax rate is subject to change. The state legislature has the authority to increase or decrease the sales tax rate at any time. However, any changes to the sales tax rate must be approved by a vote of the people.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions about the Florida sales tax rate, please consult the Florida Department of Revenue website.
Food and beverages: 0%
Food and beverages are exempt from sales tax in Florida. This means that you can purchase groceries, restaurant meals, and other food and beverage items without paying any sales tax.
- Groceries
All food items sold for home consumption are exempt from sales tax, including:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Dairy products
- Bread and other baked goods
- Canned and packaged goods
- Snacks and beverages
- Restaurant meals
Meals purchased at restaurants, cafes, and other food service establishments are also exempt from sales tax. This includes both food and beverages.
- Take-out food
Take-out food is also exempt from sales tax, as long as it is intended for consumption off-premises.
- Food trucks
Food purchased from food trucks is also exempt from sales tax.
The food and beverage sales tax exemption is a significant benefit to Florida residents and visitors. It helps to keep the cost of food affordable and makes it easier for people to eat healthy.
Prescription drugs: 0%
Prescription drugs are exempt from sales tax in Florida. This means that you can purchase prescription drugs from pharmacies and other authorized retailers without paying any sales tax.
The prescription drug sales tax exemption applies to all prescription drugs, regardless of the condition they are used to treat. This includes:
- Prescription medications
- Insulin
- Medical devices used to administer prescription drugs
- Supplies used to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes testing supplies
To qualify for the prescription drug sales tax exemption, you must have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. The prescription must be for a specific patient and must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
The prescription drug sales tax exemption is a significant benefit to Florida residents and visitors. It helps to keep the cost of prescription drugs affordable and makes it easier for people to get the medications they need.
Here are some examples of prescription drugs that are exempt from sales tax in Florida:
- Insulin for diabetes
- Albuterol inhalers for asthma
- EpiPens for allergies
- Chemotherapy drugs for cancer
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Antipsychotics
If you have any questions about whether a particular prescription drug is exempt from sales tax, you can contact the Florida Department of Revenue.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions about the Florida sales tax rate, please consult the Florida Department of Revenue website.
Clothing: 0% (up to $50 per item)
Clothing is exempt from sales tax in Florida, but only up to $50 per item. This means that if you purchase a single item of clothing that costs $50 or less, you will not pay any sales tax. However, if you purchase a single item of clothing that costs more than $50, you will pay sales tax on the entire amount.
The clothing sales tax exemption applies to all types of clothing, including:
- Shirts
- Pants
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Shoes
- Hats
- Accessories
The clothing sales tax exemption also applies to clothing purchased online. However, some online retailers may charge a shipping and handling fee, which may be subject to sales tax.
Here are some examples of how the clothing sales tax exemption works:
- If you purchase a shirt that costs $20, you will not pay any sales tax.
- If you purchase a pair of pants that costs $60, you will pay sales tax on the entire $60.
- If you purchase a dress that costs $100, you will pay sales tax on the entire $100.
If you are unsure whether a particular item of clothing is exempt from sales tax, you can contact the Florida Department of Revenue.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions about the Florida sales tax rate, please consult the Florida Department of Revenue website.
School supplies: 0% (during certain periods)
School supplies are exempt from sales tax in Florida during certain periods, typically around the start of the school year. This sales tax holiday allows parents and students to save money on the cost of essential school supplies.
- Dates
The school supplies sales tax holiday in Florida typically runs for a period of 10 days, starting on the first Sunday in August and ending on the following Saturday. For the 2021 school year, the sales tax holiday will run from August 1st to August 7th.
- Qualifying items
The school supplies sales tax exemption applies to a wide range of items that are commonly used by students in school, including:
- Clothing and accessories
- School supplies
- Computer hardware and software
- Personal care items
- Exclusions
Some items are excluded from the school supplies sales tax exemption, including:
- Textbooks
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
- Where to purchase
You can purchase school supplies exempt from sales tax at most retailers, including:
- Department stores
- Office supply stores
- Grocery stores
- Online retailers
The school supplies sales tax holiday is a great opportunity to save money on the cost of essential school supplies. Be sure to take advantage of this tax break during the designated period.
Hurricane preparedness items: 0% (during hurricane season)
Hurricane preparedness items are exempt from sales tax in Florida during hurricane season. This sales tax holiday allows residents to save money on the cost of essential supplies that can help them prepare for and recover from a hurricane.
- Dates
The hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday in Florida typically runs for a period of 7 days, starting on the first Saturday in June and ending on the following Friday. For the 2021 hurricane season, the sales tax holiday will run from June 5th to June 11th.
- Qualifying items
The hurricane preparedness sales tax exemption applies to a wide range of items that can be used to prepare for and recover from a hurricane, including:
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Portable generators
- Tarps
- Plywood
- Food and water
- First aid supplies
- Exclusions
Some items are excluded from the hurricane preparedness sales tax exemption, including:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Firearms
- Ammunition
- Where to purchase
You can purchase hurricane preparedness items exempt from sales tax at most retailers, including:
- Home improvement stores
- Grocery stores
- Hardware stores
- Online retailers
The hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday is a great opportunity to save money on the cost of essential supplies that can help you prepare for and recover from a hurricane. Be sure to take advantage of this tax break during the designated period.
Local option tax: Up to 1%
In addition to the general sales tax rate of 6%, some counties and cities in Florida have a local option sales tax. This local option tax can add up to 1% to the total sales tax rate. The local option sales tax is used to fund a variety of local projects and services, such as schools, roads, and parks.
- Counties with a local option tax
The following counties in Florida have a local option sales tax:
- Alachua County
- Bay County
- Brevard County
- Broward County
- Charlotte County
- Citrus County
- Clay County
- Collier County
- Columbia County
- DeSoto County
- Duval County
- Escambia County
- Flagler County
- Franklin County
- Gadsden County
- Gilchrist County
- Glades County
- Hardee County
- Hendry County
- Hernando County
- Highlands County
- Hillsborough County
- Holmes County
- Indian River County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Lafayette County
- Lake County
- Lee County
- Leon County
- Levy County
- Liberty County
- Madison County
- Manatee County
- Marion County
- Martin County
- Miami-Dade County
- Monroe County
- Nassau County
- Okaloosa County
- Okeechobee County
- Orange County
- Osceola County
- Palm Beach County
- Pasco County
- Pinellas County
- Polk County
- Putnam County
- Santa Rosa County
- Sarasota County
- Seminole County
- St. Johns County
- St. Lucie County
- Sumter County
- Suwannee County
- Taylor County
- Union County
- Volusia County
- Wakulla County
- Walton County
- Washington County
- Cities with a local option tax
The following cities in Florida have a local option sales tax:
- Altamonte Springs
- Apopka
- Atlantis
- Auburndale
- Avon Park
- Bartow
- Belle Glade
- Boca Raton
- Bonita Springs
- Bradenton
- Cape Coral
- Celebration
- Clearwater
- Cocoa Beach
- Coral Gables
- Coral Springs
- Davie
- Daytona Beach
- Deerfield Beach
- Delray Beach
- Destin
- Dunedin
- Edgewater
- Eustis
- Fernandina Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Fort Myers
- Fort Pierce
- Gainesville
- Golden Beach
- Greenacres
- Hallandale Beach
- Hialeah
- Hollywood
- Homestead
- Indian Harbour Beach
- Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Beach
- Jupiter
- Kissimmee
- Lake City
- Lake Mary
- Lakeland
- Largo
- Lauderdale Lakes
- Lauderhill
- Leesburg
- Longwood
- Lutz
- Maitland
- Marco Island
- Margate
- Melbourne
- Melbourne Beach
- Miami
- Miami Beach
- Miramar
- Mount Dora
- Neptune Beach
- New Port Richey
- North Miami
- North Miami Beach
- Ocala
- Ocoee
- Oldsmar
- Orlando
- Ormond Beach
- Palm Bay
- Palm Coast
- Palatka
- Panama City
- Panama City Beach
- Parkland
- Pembroke Pines
- Plantation
- Port Richey
- Port St. Lucie
- Riviera Beach
- Royal Palm Beach
- Safety Harbor
- Sanford
- Sarasota
- Sebastian
- Sebring
- Spring Hill
- St. Augustine
- St. Cloud
- St. Petersburg
- Stuart
- Sunrise
- Tallahassee
- Tamarac
- Tarpon Springs
- Temple Terrace
- Titusville
- Treasure Island
- Venice
- Vero Beach
- West Melbourne
- West Palm Beach
- Winter Garden
- Winter Haven
- Winter Park
- Rate of local option tax
The rate of the local option sales tax varies from county to county and city to city. The maximum local option sales tax rate is 1%.
- How to calculate the total sales tax rate
To calculate the total sales tax rate in a particular county or city, you need to add the general sales tax rate of 6% to the local option sales tax rate. For example, if you are in a county with a 1% local option sales tax, the total sales tax rate would be 7%.
It is important to be aware of the local option sales tax rate when you are making purchases in Florida. The total sales tax rate can vary depending on where you are located.
Sales tax holidays: Yes
Florida offers a number of sales tax holidays throughout the year. During these holidays, certain items are exempt from sales tax. This can save you money on a variety of purchases, including:
- Clothing
- School supplies
- Hurricane preparedness items
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Tickets to sporting events and concerts
The dates of the sales tax holidays vary each year. However, they typically occur during the following periods:
- Back-to-school sales tax holiday: This holiday typically occurs during the first week of August.
- Hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday: This holiday typically occurs during the first week of June.
- Energy-efficient appliance sales tax holiday: This holiday typically occurs during the month of October.
- Tickets to sporting events and concerts sales tax holiday: This holiday typically occurs during the month of May.
To take advantage of a sales tax holiday, simply purchase the qualifying items during the designated period. You will not be charged sales tax on these items.
Sales tax holidays are a great way to save money on a variety of purchases. Be sure to mark your calendar and take advantage of these tax-free shopping periods.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions about the Florida sales tax rate, please consult the Florida Department of Revenue website.
Taxable services: Yes
In addition to sales of goods, certain services are also subject to sales tax in Florida. This includes:
- Admissions to entertainment events, such as movies, concerts, and sporting events
- Hotel and motel stays
- Restaurant meals
- Car repairs
- Dry cleaning
- Haircuts
- Pet grooming
- Lawn care services
- Housecleaning services
- Personal training services
- Massage services
- Tattooing and piercing services
The sales tax rate for services is the same as the general sales tax rate of 6%. However, some counties and cities have a local option sales tax, which can add up to 1% to the total sales tax rate.
To calculate the total sales tax on a service, simply multiply the price of the service by the sales tax rate. For example, if you pay $100 for a haircut, you will pay $6 in sales tax, for a total cost of $106.
It is important to note that some services are exempt from sales tax. This includes:
- Medical services
- Educational services
- Religious services
- Government services
If you are unsure whether a particular service is subject to sales tax, you can contact the Florida Department of Revenue.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions about the Florida sales tax rate, please consult the Florida Department of Revenue website.
Tax calculation: Total cost x tax rate
To calculate the sales tax on a purchase, you simply multiply the total cost of the purchase by the sales tax rate. For example, if you purchase an item that costs $100 and the sales tax rate is 6%, you will pay $6 in sales tax. The total cost of your purchase will be $106.
Here is the formula for calculating sales tax:
``` Total cost x Tax rate = Sales tax ```You can use this formula to calculate the sales tax on any purchase, regardless of the price or the sales tax rate.
Here are some examples of how to calculate sales tax:
- If you purchase a shirt that costs $20 and the sales tax rate is 6%, you will pay $1.20 in sales tax. The total cost of your purchase will be $21.20.
- If you purchase a pair of shoes that costs $100 and the sales tax rate is 7%, you will pay $7 in sales tax. The total cost of your purchase will be $107.
- If you purchase a computer that costs $1,000 and the sales tax rate is 6%, you will pay $60 in sales tax. The total cost of your purchase will be $1,060.
It is important to note that some items are exempt from sales tax. This includes:
- Food and beverages
- Prescription drugs
- Clothing (up to $50 per item)
- School supplies (during certain periods)
- Hurricane preparedness items (during hurricane season)
If you are unsure whether a particular item is exempt from sales tax, you can contact the Florida Department of Revenue.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions about the Florida sales tax rate, please consult the Florida Department of Revenue website.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Florida sales tax rate in 2021:
Question 1: What is the general sales tax rate in Florida?
Answer 1: The general sales tax rate in Florida is 6%.
Question 2: What items are exempt from sales tax in Florida?
Answer 2: Food and beverages, prescription drugs, clothing (up to $50 per item), school supplies (during certain periods), and hurricane preparedness items (during hurricane season) are exempt from sales tax in Florida.
Question 3: Are there any local option sales taxes in Florida?
Answer 3: Yes, some counties and cities in Florida have a local option sales tax, which can add up to 1% to the total sales tax rate.
Question 4: Are there any sales tax holidays in Florida?
Answer 4: Yes, Florida offers a number of sales tax holidays throughout the year, including the back-to-school sales tax holiday, the hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday, the energy-efficient appliance sales tax holiday, and the tickets to sporting events and concerts sales tax holiday.
Question 5: What is the sales tax rate for services in Florida?
Answer 5: The sales tax rate for services in Florida is the same as the general sales tax rate of 6%. However, some counties and cities have a local option sales tax, which can add up to 1% to the total sales tax rate.
Question 6: How do I calculate the sales tax on a purchase?
Answer 6: To calculate the sales tax on a purchase, simply multiply the total cost of the purchase by the sales tax rate. For example, if you purchase an item that costs $100 and the sales tax rate is 6%, you will pay $6 in sales tax.
Question 7: Where can I find more information about the Florida sales tax rate?
Answer 7: You can find more information about the Florida sales tax rate on the Florida Department of Revenue website.
I hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please consult the Florida Department of Revenue website.
Now that you know all about the Florida sales tax rate, here are a few tips to help you save money on your purchases:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you save money on your purchases in Florida:
Tip 1: Take advantage of sales tax holidays.
Florida offers a number of sales tax holidays throughout the year, including the back-to-school sales tax holiday, the hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday, the energy-efficient appliance sales tax holiday, and the tickets to sporting events and concerts sales tax holiday. Be sure to mark your calendar and take advantage of these tax-free shopping periods.
Tip 2: Shop at stores that offer a sales tax refund.
Some stores in Florida offer a sales tax refund to out-of-state visitors. This can save you a significant amount of money on your purchases, especially if you are making large purchases. Be sure to ask about the sales tax refund policy before you make a purchase.
Tip 3: Look for coupons and discounts.
Many stores in Florida offer coupons and discounts on their products and services. Be sure to check the store's website or app for coupons before you make a purchase. You can also find coupons and discounts in newspapers, magazines, and online.
Tip 4: Consider buying items online.
If you are buying an item that is not available in Florida, or if you simply want to get the best price, you may want to consider buying it online. Many online retailers offer free shipping and handling, and you may be able to find items for a lower price than you would in a store. Just be sure to factor in the cost of shipping and handling when you are comparing prices.
By following these tips, you can save money on your purchases in Florida.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions about the Florida sales tax rate, please consult the Florida Department of Revenue website.
Conclusion
The Florida sales tax rate is 6%, but some counties and cities have a local option sales tax, which can add up to 1% to the total sales tax rate. Food and beverages, prescription drugs, clothing (up to $50 per item), school supplies (during certain periods), and hurricane preparedness items (during hurricane season) are exempt from sales tax in Florida. Florida also offers a number of sales tax holidays throughout the year.
To save money on your purchases in Florida, you can take advantage of sales tax holidays, shop at stores that offer a sales tax refund, look for coupons and discounts, and consider buying items online.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions about the Florida sales tax rate, please consult the Florida Department of Revenue website.
Thank you for reading!