Florida car tax
Florida has no yearly car tax. Owners pay registration fees by weight, plus a one-time $225 initial registration fee. A car purchase is taxed at 6% plus county surtax, which applies only to the first $5,000 of the price.
Buying a car in Florida: one-time tax
Florida sales/use tax — 6%, plus local sales tax where you live. Your trade-in is subtracted before tax.
County discretionary surtax applies only to the first $5,000 of the price.
Registration and due dates
Registration is $14.50, $22.50, or $32.50 by weight plus fees (about $45–$75 in total). A one-time $225 initial registration fee applies on the first Florida plate.
No yearly car tax. Registration renews every year or two by the owner's birthday.
Cut what your car costs in Florida
Car tax is set by your town, but your loan and insurance aren't. Refinancing a car loan at a lower rate often saves more each year than the tax itself.
Questions
Does Florida tax cars every year?
No. Only registration fees.
How does county surtax work on a car?
It applies only to the first $5,000 of the price.
What is the $225 fee?
The initial registration fee, charged once when you first get a Florida plate.
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Rates are for passenger cars owned by individuals; leased, business and specialty vehicles can differ. Confirm with your tax collector or commissioner of the revenue.