Florida Sales Tax

General Information

Florida imposes a sales tax on the sales of most goods and certain services. The tax is also imposed on commercial leases and licenses to use real property. In addition, Florida counties can impose a local option surtax on top of the state rate that varies by county. The university is exempt from paying this tax on purchases made for its own use and paid for directly via P-card, or Disbursement Services.

The exemption doesn’t extend to individuals who make direct taxable purchases on behalf of the university and receive reimbursement (including tax paid) later. Also, departments that make sales of taxable goods, services, or leases real and tangible property to other individuals and entities must collect this tax from their customers at the time the transaction is made and remit it monthly to the State. Otherwise, the university will owe the State for the uncollected taxes.

Registration

The University is required to file a monthly consolidated sales tax return and make estimated tax payments. There are currently 22 reporting units registered to collect Florida sales tax from customers located in 4 separate counties. If your department isn’t currently registered but is considering making sales to individuals or outside entities, you should contact Tax Services as far in advance as possible and before any transactions are made.