● Florida sales tax
How Used-Car Sales Tax Works in Florida (Brevard County Rates Explained)
6% state tax plus a Brevard County surtax — here’s exactly how used-car sales tax works in Florida, what’s taxable, and who collects it.
Sales tax is one of those costs that’s easy to underestimate until you’re at the signing table. Here’s exactly how used-car sales tax works in Florida and Brevard County, what’s taxable, and who collects it — so there are no surprises.
The rate: 6% state + county surtax
Florida charges 6% state sales tax on a used-vehicle purchase. Your county then adds a discretionary sales surtax — but only on the first $5,000 of the price. In Brevard County the surtax is currently 1%, so it adds about $50 maximum per vehicle. (Brevard’s surtax is scheduled to expire December 31, 2026 unless renewed by voters, so confirm the current rate when you buy.)
What’s taxable — and what isn’t
Sales tax applies to the vehicle’s price including most dealer charges (like prep or dealer fees). Separately-stated, state-mandated fees — such as the title and registration fees themselves — generally aren’t taxed. The Florida Department of Revenue’s motor-vehicle guidance (GT-800030) spells this out.
A trade-in lowers your taxable amount
When you trade a vehicle in at a dealer, Florida figures tax on the price after your trade-in allowance — not the full price (§212.09, Florida Statutes). On a $20,000 car with an $8,000 trade, you’d be taxed on $12,000, saving about $480. Our trade-in tax credit guide breaks down the math.
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Get your priceWho collects it: dealer vs. private sale
Buy from a licensed Florida dealer and the dealer collects the state tax and county surtax at the point of sale and remits it for you. Buy in a private sale and no one collects it at the time — you pay the 6% (plus surtax) yourself when you title and register the car at the tax collector’s office.
A note on financing
If you finance, Florida also charges a documentary stamp tax on the loan — 35 cents per $100 financed (about $3.50 per $1,000), applied to the amount you borrow, not the car’s price. It’s a small line item, but worth knowing about so your out-the-door number makes sense. This article is general information, not tax advice — confirm current rates with the Florida Department of Revenue or the Brevard County Tax Collector.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the sales tax on a used car in Brevard County?
6% Florida state sales tax plus Brevard’s discretionary surtax — currently 1% on the first $5,000 of the price (about $50 maximum). Brevard’s surtax is set to expire Dec. 31, 2026 unless renewed, so confirm the rate at purchase.
Is sales tax charged on the full price of the car?
Tax applies to the vehicle price including most dealer charges. Separately-stated, state-mandated fees like the title and registration are generally not taxed (FL Dept. of Revenue, GT-800030).
Does a trade-in lower my sales tax?
Yes. At a dealer, Florida taxes the price after your trade-in allowance (§212.09, Fla. Stat.), so a trade can save you 6% of its value — about $480 on an $8,000 trade.
Who collects the sales tax?
A licensed Florida dealer collects it at the point of sale and remits it to the state. In a private sale, you pay it yourself when you title and register the car at the tax collector’s office.
Is there a tax when financing a used car?
Yes, a small documentary stamp tax on the loan — about 35 cents per $100 financed ($3.50 per $1,000) — applied to the amount you borrow, not the car’s price.
