Whether you’re a visitor, a lifelong resident, or thinking about moving to Tampa, you’ll probably have to pay sales tax. What you have to pay depends on where you go.
What’s the sales tax rate in Tampa, Florida?
Florida has two levels of sales tax. The statewide Florida sales tax rate is 6%. Each county can add a discretionary sales tax.
Unlike other states, Florida doesn’t have city sales taxes. The sales tax rate in the Tampa city limits is the same as the sales tax rate in Hillsborough County.
Hillsborough County Sales Tax Rate
The city of Tampa is in Hillsborough County. It is one of three cities in Hillsborough, with the other two being Plant City and Temple Terrace.
Tampa and Hillsborough County are home to:
WestShore Plaza
International Plaza and Bay Street
Plaza at Citrus Park
Brandon Town Center
Tampa International Airport
Tampa Convention Center
Brandon Town Center
Amalie Arena
Raymond James Stadium
George M. Steinbrenner Stadium
Busch Gardens
Adventure Island
Ikea
The Hillsborough county and Tampa sales tax rate is 7.5%. That includes the FL sales tax rate of 6% and the county’s discretionary sales tax rate of 1.5%.
The additional Tampa sales tax of 1% passed in 2019 for a total of 8.5% was ruled unconstitutional by the Florida Supreme Court. The Tampa sales tax rate returned to 7.5% on March 16, 2021.
Pinellas County Sales Tax Rate
Pinellas County is considered part of Tampa Bay and covers the peninsula west of Tampa. It includes Saint Petersburg, Clearwater, Dunedin, and virtually all of Tampa Bay’s beaches.
Pinellas County has an additional 1% sales tax for a total sales tax rate of 7%.
Pasco County Sales Tax Rate
Pasco County is Tampa’s northern bedroom community. It includes New Port Richey, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills.
Pasco County is also home to the Tampa Premium Outlets in Wesley Chapel.
The Pasco County sales tax rate is 7% including a 1% county sales tax.
Polk County Sales Tax Rate
Polk County sits east of Tampa along I-4 and includes Lakeland, Winter Haven, Davenport, and Sheriff Grady Judd.
Polk County also has a sales tax rate of 7% including a 1% county sales tax.
Manatee County Sales Tax Rate
Manatee County is south of Tampa and includes Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Anna Maria Island.
The Ellenton Premium Outlets are also located in Manatee County.
Manatee’s sales tax rate is 7% including a 1% county tax.
What purchases does the Florida sales tax rate apply to?
Florida sales taxes apply to almost all purchases. This is a trade-off for the Florida not having an income tax.
The primary exceptions are listed food and medical items. Unlike other states, there are few other exceptions. For example, sales tax applies to all clothing purchases.
When it comes to food, grocery items generally aren’t taxable but restaurant purchases and certain prepared foods in grocery stores are subject to sales taxes. The Florida Department of Revenue publishes a list of items that aren’t subject to sales taxes.
In addition to general sales taxes, there are also special taxes on things like cable TV and streaming video services. Sales tax also applies to certain short-term and commercial rental properties.
Does Tampa sales tax apply to online purchases?
Florida sales tax is generally due on online purchases if the items are normally subject to sales tax.
Most major retailers will collect sales tax based on where you live. If a retailer doesn’t collect sales tax, Florida law says you should file a sales tax return and pay sales tax based on the purchase price.
Should you drive to a different county for a lower sales tax rate?
With a Tampa sales tax rate of either 7.5% or 7%, it usually won’t make sense to drive to a different county just for a lower sales tax rate. The cost of gas or differences in store prices will probably outweigh the sales tax savings.
If you’re making a large purchase, such as a computer or TV, or live near a county line, there’s nothing stopping you from choosing where to shop based on local sales tax rates.
When is the Tampa sales tax holiday?
Florida has two annual sales tax holidays. The holidays usually last around 3 to 7 days.
Both state and local sales tax rates are suspended on eligible purchases during the holiday.
One holiday is for hurricane preparation supplies. It’s usually in late May or early June.
The other holiday is for back-to-school items. It’s held in August.
