Is there sales tax on groceries in Florida?
Quick answer
No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Florida state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
Grocery food is exempt. Prepared meals, candy sold from vending, and soft drinks are taxable.
Rule summary
How Florida treats each category.
| Grocery food (home consumption) | Exempt from state sales tax |
|---|---|
| Prepared and restaurant food | Taxable at the full combined rate (6.5%–7.5%) |
| Candy and soft drinks | Usually taxable even where groceries are exempt |
| Prescription medicine | Exempt |
Source: Florida Department of Revenue · rates as published for 2026
This page summarizes the general rule. Every state writes exceptions for specific products, and local jurisdictions can differ from the state treatment. Confirm your situation with the Florida Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Florida
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Florida.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Is there sales tax on groceries in Florida?
- No. Groceries bought for home preparation are exempt from Florida state sales tax. Prepared and restaurant food is still taxable.
- Is prepared food taxed differently than groceries in Florida?
- Yes. Florida treats hot, ready-to-eat and restaurant food as a taxable retail sale even where unprepared grocery food is exempt or reduced.
- Are prescription drugs taxable in Florida?
- No. Prescription medicine is exempt from sales tax in Florida.
More Florida guides
Other Florida rules that change the total.