The sales tax in the state of Florida impacts business owners, individuals, landlords, and people purchasing automobiles. As we move into 2026, understanding who must pay sales tax in the state of Florida, the amount, and when an exemption is specified, is very important.
This blog explains Florida sales tax and will address current tax rates, variations among counties, exemptions, and registration requirements.
What Is Florida Sales Tax?
Florida sales tax consists of a tax levied by the state of Florida for sales, leases, or rentals of most tangible property and certain services. Vendors collect such tax at the time of sale and then paid to the state.
Businesses that make taxable sales in the state are often obliged to register, collect, and pay Florida sales tax, which is administered by the Florida Department of Revenue.
How Much Is Florida Sales Tax in 2026? Understanding the Rates and Changes
For common purchases, the state sales tax rate for Florida is still 6.00% for the year 2026; then, depending on the county, you may need to pay additional surtaxes ranging from 0.5% to 2.0%. This will affect the total state sales tax you will be required to pay based on your location.
The sales tax in Florida in 2026 will remain the same as in past years, unless counties decide to increase their surtax rates. For instance, if you find yourself in Orlando or other locations in Orange County, the total sales tax will be 6.5% (6.00% state sales tax and 0.5% county surtax).
Florida Sales Tax Rate by County
The total Florida sales and use tax rate varies by county. For example:
- Sales tax rate in Orlando, Florida (Orange County): 6.5%
- Miami-Dade County: 7.0%
- Broward County: 6.0%
- Palm Beach County: 6.0%
Keep in mind to always check what your Florida sales tax rate by county may be before you make a purchase.
Who Is Responsible for Paying Florida Sales Tax?
The consumer is responsible for paying the sales tax in Florida, although this is collected by the seller.
Therefore, if you purchase anything, such as services, this will be charged along with sales tax, which will eventually be handed over to the government by the seller in question. The consumer is required to pay this particular tax upon purchase.
However, those making taxable sales in Florida are required to register with the Florida sales tax remittance system and remit the collected tax to the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR).
How to Register for Florida Sales Tax: Step-by-Step Guide for New Businesses
Before you can collect sales tax in the state of Florida, you must first register your business with the Florida Department of Revenue. If you are conducting your Florida business out of Florida or making sales to Florida residents, you will need to obtain a sales tax certificate.
Steps to Register
- Register with the Florida DOR through their official website.
- Fill out the Sales Tax Registration Form.
- Provide necessary business information, including the name of the business, the type of business to be conducted, and the location
- File your application and wait for your sales tax certificate.
Once registered, you may start collecting Florida sales tax and filing returns. Note that filing deadlines may be different depending on your business’s sales volume.
Florida Sales Tax Exemptions: What Items Are Exempt and How to Qualify
Not everything is taxable under Florida sales tax. There are some items that are exempt from sales taxes, such as groceries, prescription drugs, and medical equipment. Secondly, sales to exempt organizations are exempt from sales tax if the organization has a valid exemption certificate.
Florida exemptions for sales taxes are quite complex; it is essential that there is record-keeping in order to avoid errors.
Common Exemptions
- Groceries (except for a few items)
- Prescription Drugs
- Certain types of medical devices
- Sales to qualified entities (such as non-profits)
- No Tax on Overtime
Ensure that your business is informed about all the exemptions that may relate to the products and services you offer.
Florida Sales Tax Login: How to Access Your Account and File Returns Online
Once you have registered your business for Florida Sales Tax, you will then log in to the Florida DOR online portal. Here, you will be able to file your return:
- File your sales tax returns on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
- Pay Florida sales tax
- Update business information
- View your filing history
Keep your login information secure and file promptly to avoid penalties and interest charges.
Florida Sales Tax on Cars: What to Expect When Purchasing a Vehicle
When buying a car in the state of Florida, you are required to pay sales tax on cars in the state of Florida. The rates of taxes on cars are determined according to the county in which you are registering your vehicle. The various counties in Florida also charge different surtaxes on the purchase of cars.
How Much Is Florida Sales Tax on Cars?
- State rate: 6.00%
- County surtax: Depends on the county it varies within; for example, Orange County is 6.5% total. It is collected by the car dealer and is forwarded to the Florida Department of Revenue.
Florida Sales Tax Holiday: When and What You Can Buy Tax-Free
Every year, Florida provides its residents with the Sales Tax Holiday during which certain items are available without paying the sales tax. In the year 2026, the sales tax exemptions will apply to items such as back-to-school items, clothing, and energy-efficient products during the sales tax holiday period.
Just remember to be mindful of these Florida Sales Tax Holidays to help yourself and others cut costs.
What Businesses Should Watch?
Although the Florida sales tax rate in 2026 will continue the status quo at 6.00% without changes from county taxes that apply various surtax rates, the following considerations apply for all concerned businesses:
- Sales tax registration updates
- More enforcement of distance sales
- Audits regarding improper tax exemptions
- New tax obligations for online businesses
Make sure your business is in line with state laws as well as city laws.
Final Thoughts
Florida sales taxes can be quite complicated, particularly if there are surtaxes and exemptions. It doesn’t matter whether you’re figuring Orlando, Florida sales taxes or filing sales taxes; everything must be dealt with correctly to save you from financial mistakes.
Understanding the Florida sales tax rate 2026, exemptions, and the registration process is essential for a smooth business process and for making sound purchasing decisions in the State of Florida.
