Auto Sales Tax in Florida Calculator

Florida's auto sales tax can significantly impact your purchase price when buying a new or used vehicle. This calculator helps you estimate the sales tax you'll pay based on your vehicle's price and county of purchase. Understanding Florida's sales tax rules can save you money and avoid surprises at checkout.

How the Florida Auto Sales Tax Works

Florida imposes a sales tax on the purchase of motor vehicles, with rates varying by county. The basic sales tax rate is 6%, but some counties add an additional local option tax that can increase the total rate to as high as 7.5%.

Key Points:

Base sales tax rate: 6%
Local option tax: Additional 0.5% to 1.5% in some counties
No sales tax on vehicles under $10,000 (for new vehicles)
Used vehicles are subject to the full sales tax rate

County-Specific Rates

Here are some common county rates in Florida:

County	Base Rate	Local Option Tax	Total Rate
Miami-Dade	6%	1.5%	7.5%
Broward	6%	1.5%	7.5%
Palm Beach	6%	1.5%	7.5%
Orange	6%	0.5%	6.5%
Osceola	6%	0.5%	6.5%

Exemptions and Special Cases

Florida offers several exemptions that may reduce or eliminate sales tax on vehicles:

Military personnel: Up to $20,000 exemption for active duty service members
First responders: Up to $10,000 exemption for police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians
Disabled veterans: Up to $10,000 exemption
Homemade vehicles: No sales tax on vehicles built from scratch

Worked Examples

Example 1: New Vehicle in Miami-Dade County

Vehicle price: $35,000
County: Miami-Dade (7.5% total rate)

Sales Tax = Vehicle Price × Total Rate
Sales Tax = $35,000 × 7.5% = $2,625

Example 2: Used Vehicle in Orange County

Vehicle price: $12,000
County: Orange (6.5% total rate)

Sales Tax = Vehicle Price × Total Rate
Sales Tax = $12,000 × 6.5% = $780

Example 3: Vehicle Under $10,000

Vehicle price: $8,000
County: Osceola (6.5% total rate)

Since the vehicle price is under $10,000, no sales tax is applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out my county's sales tax rate?

You can check your county's sales tax rate on the Florida Department of Revenue website or by contacting your local county tax collector's office.

Are there any exemptions for electric vehicles?

No, electric vehicles are subject to the same sales tax rates as other vehicles in Florida.

Do I have to pay sales tax when I lease a car?

Yes, you must pay sales tax on the purchase price of the vehicle, regardless of whether you're buying or leasing.

Is there a sales tax on vehicle accessories?

Yes, most vehicle accessories are subject to Florida's sales tax rate.