Florida Vehicle Sales Tax Calculator
Florida charges 6%–7.5% in vehicle sales tax depending on your county. Use this guide to calculate your exact tax bill before you buy.
Florida's base state rate is 6%. Counties add a discretionary surtax of 0.5%–1.5%, capped at the first $5,000 of the purchase price. Miami-Dade County is 7%; Broward County is 7%; most other counties are 6%–7%.
Estimate Your Tax Bill
Use this formula to estimate your tax. Actual amount determined at registration.
Trade-In Tax Credit
Florida allows a trade-in credit. Tax is calculated on the net purchase price after deducting the trade-in allowance. The county discretionary surtax cap ($5,000 maximum taxable for surtax) applies to the net price after trade-in.
Maximum Tax Cap
Florida county discretionary surtax (0.5%–1.5%) applies only to the first $5,000 of purchase price. The base 6% state tax applies to the full purchase price. Maximum county surtax = $75 (1.5% × $5,000).
Out-of-State Purchases & Use Tax
Florida applies use tax on out-of-state purchases registered in Florida. Credit is given for sales tax paid to another state. The county surtax only applies to Florida residents registering in that county.
Private Party Sale Tax Rules
Florida taxes private party sales at 6% (plus county surtax on first $5,000) based on the actual purchase price. Private party sales are not subject to the SPV-type floor that Texas uses. You report the actual price paid.
Common Tax Exemptions in Florida
- ✓Family gifts between qualifying relatives
- ✓Inheritance
- ✓Transfers into a revocable living trust
- ✓Vehicles used exclusively in interstate commerce
Florida's county surtax cap at $5,000 is a significant benefit for high-value vehicle purchases. On a $100,000 vehicle, the county surtax is capped at $75 (not $1,500). Calculate both the 6% state tax and the capped county surtax separately.
Florida Vehicle Tax FAQ
What is the vehicle sales tax rate in Florida?
Florida vehicle sales tax is 6%–7.5%. Florida's base state rate is 6%. Counties add a discretionary surtax of 0.5%–1.5%, capped at the first $5,000 of the purchase price. Miami-Dade County is 7%; Broward County is 7%; most other counties are 6%–7%.
Does Florida give a trade-in credit on vehicle taxes?
Yes. Florida allows a trade-in credit. Tax is calculated on the net purchase price after deducting the trade-in allowance. The county discretionary surtax cap ($5,000 maximum taxable for surtax) applies to the net price after trade-in.
How is vehicle tax calculated on a private party sale in Florida?
Florida taxes private party sales at 6% (plus county surtax on first $5,000) based on the actual purchase price. Private party sales are not subject to the SPV-type floor that Texas uses. You report the actual price paid.
What vehicles are exempt from sales tax in Florida?
Common exemptions include: Family gifts between qualifying relatives, Inheritance, Transfers into a revocable living trust, Vehicles used exclusively in interstate commerce. Verify current exemptions with Florida DHSMV.
Does Florida charge use tax on out-of-state vehicle purchases?
Yes. Florida applies use tax on out-of-state purchases registered in Florida. Credit is given for sales tax paid to another state. The county surtax only applies to Florida residents registering in that county.
Is there a maximum vehicle tax cap in Florida?
Yes — $5,000 surtax cap. Florida county discretionary surtax (0.5%–1.5%) applies only to the first $5,000 of purchase price. The base 6% state tax applies to the full purchase price. Maximum county surtax = $75 (1.5% × $5,000).