Florida sales tax on cars: state rate and county surtax
Florida sales and use tax, plus any county discretionary sales surtax, is due on every new or used motor vehicle.[1] The surtax applies only to the first $5,000 of the total sales price, and it is the surtax of the county on the purchaser's title or registration address, not where the car was bought.[1][2] The Department of Revenue's county list shows rates of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%; most counties charge 1% or 1.5%.[3]
| Case | Tax | Share of price |
|---|---|---|
| $35,000 car, $10,000 trade, $999 dealer fee, 1% county | $1,609.94 | 4.60% |
| $35,000 car, no trade, 1.5% county | $2,175.00 | 6.21% |
| $12,000 used car, 1% county | $770.00 | 6.42% |
| $60,000 truck, $20,000 trade, 0.5% county | $2,425.00 | 4.04% |
Because the surtax stops at $5,000, the county never adds more than $100 even at the highest 2% rate. Separately itemized state title, registration and lien fees are not taxed.[1]
Trade-ins and private sales
A registered Florida dealer may deduct a trade-in allowance from the taxable price.[1] Between private parties, tax is still due when you title the car, and a trade-in counts only when you trade a vehicle, boat, aircraft or mobile home in the same transaction.[1]
Buying a car out of state
Florida credits a like tax lawfully paid to another state. The Department of Revenue's example: if you buy in a state with a 4% sales tax, you pay an additional 2% plus any county surtax when you register in Florida.[1]
New to Florida?Registration adds a $225 initial fee for a first Florida plate. See Florida vehicle registration fees.
Compare Florida with other states on the car sales tax calculator, or see the full yearly cost on the cost of owning a car calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax on a car in Florida?
6% of the price after trade-in, plus your county's surtax on the first $5,000 only.
Does the Florida county surtax apply to the full price of a car?
No. It applies only to the first $5,000 of the sales price, so it adds at most $25 to $100 depending on the county.
Do I pay Florida sales tax on a car bought in another state?
Yes, when you register it in Florida, with credit for any sales tax paid to the other state.