You know the feeling: it’s the 15th of the month, and you’re suddenly unsure if you’ve collected the right sales tax amount, reported it correctly, or filed your return by the deadline. For a Florida small-business owner running on limited time and budget, sales tax compliance can feel like a moving target. Unlike income tax, which you handle once a year, Florida sales tax comes due monthly—and mistakes cost you money, either through corrections, penalties, or the time spent fixing them. This checklist walks you through exactly what you need to do every month to stay compliant and confident, whether you file yourself or hand the data to your CPA.
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Does this apply to your business in Florida?
Yes, if you sell tangible personal property or taxable services in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Revenue, most physical goods are taxable unless specifically exempt by statute. Services are generally not taxable unless the law lists them—cleaning services, consulting, and labor are usually exempt, but materials you provide are taxable. If you handle any money for sales, you need a sales tax license and must file monthly. Not sure which of your products or services are taxable? Your CPA or the Department of Revenue website can clarify your specific situation.
How the rate works
Florida’s sales tax has two layers: a state rate of 6%, plus a county surtax that varies by county. Every county adds its own rate on top of the state 6%, so your combined rate depends on where your business operates and where the customer is located. For example, some counties add 0.5% or 1%, while others may vary. The Florida Department of Revenue provides a sales tax rate calculator on their website so you can look up the exact combined rate for any Florida county or address. When you file, you’ll report both the state tax collected and the county tax separately on your return, but the calculator handles that math for you upfront.
How to file step by step
Florida requires you to file the DR-15 return by the 20th of the month following the sales period. Here’s the process. First, gather your sales records—invoices, receipts, transaction reports from your point of sale system—for the entire month. You’ll need to total your taxable sales, nontaxable sales (like exempt services), and the tax you collected at both the state rate and any county surtaxes. Next, create an account on the Florida Department of Revenue website (if you haven’t already) and log in to file electronically, which is the standard method. Enter your monthly taxable sales, then enter the tax collected. The form separates state tax and county tax, so you’ll report each one in its section. Once you’ve entered all figures, review them carefully—this is where most errors happen. Then submit the return and make your payment. The step-by-step process of navigating the DR-15 filing is walked through in detail so you can follow along. Keep a copy of your filed return and proof of payment for your records.
Common mistakes
Mixing up taxable and nontaxable sales. Many small-business owners accidentally include nontaxable items in their taxable total, inflating what they owe. The fix: create a clear category in your point-of-sale system or spreadsheet that separates taxable and nontaxable items from the start. Before you file, verify your totals against your actual invoices. If your CPA reviews your data, give them the breakdown already organized, not a lump sum.
Forgetting the county surtax. The state 6% gets filed, but the county surtax is forgotten or underpaid. This happens because the county rate feels “separate,” but it’s collected at the same time and must be remitted together. The fix: use the Florida Department of Revenue rate calculator for your county and enter both figures into the DR-15 before filing.
Filing late or skipping months. One missed month often leads to another, and penalties compound. The fix: mark the 20th of every month on your calendar (or phone reminder) and set aside 30 minutes that morning to pull your data and file. If you know you’ll miss a deadline, contact the Department of Revenue to ask about extension options—ignoring the deadline is far more costly than asking for help.
Not separating sales by location. If you have multiple sales channels (online, retail location, pop-up events), you might be collecting the wrong tax rate in each place. The fix: clarify which sales occurred in which county and ensure your system records the location of each transaction. This matters most if you sell across state lines or multiple Florida counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to collect sales tax on online sales to Florida customers?
Yes. If you ship tangible goods to a Florida address or deliver a taxable service in Florida, you must collect the sales tax rate for the destination county. The IRS and state tax rules both require this. If you use a sales platform like a website or marketplace, confirm your tax settings match the customer’s location.
What if I sell both taxable and nontaxable items?
You report them separately on your DR-15. Taxable items go in one line, nontaxable in another. Many small-business owners find it easiest to set up their point-of-sale or bookkeeping system with separate codes from day one so the monthly totals are ready when it’s time to file.
When should I hire a CPA to handle sales tax filing?
It depends on your comfort level and complexity. If your business has one location, simple sales (mostly tangible goods), and fewer than 50 transactions per month, you can often file yourself using the step-by-step guidance available online. If you have multiple locations, mixed taxable and nontaxable income, or inconsistent record-keeping, a CPA’s help is worth the cost. Some CPAs charge a flat monthly fee just to organize and file your return—that’s often cheaper than fixing mistakes after the fact.
What’s the deadline if the 20th falls on a weekend?
The Florida Department of Revenue moves the deadline to the next business day if the 20th is a Saturday or Sunday. Always check your department notice or website in early each month to confirm the exact deadline.
Can I file quarterly instead of monthly?
Florida requires monthly filing for most businesses. You may qualify for a different filing schedule only in specific cases (very low sales volume, specific exemption status). Contact the Florida Department of Revenue directly to ask if your situation qualifies—don’t assume quarterly is an option.
This article is for general educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for advice from a licensed CPA or tax attorney. Rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time—always confirm current requirements with the Florida Department of Revenue or your advisor.
Sales tax compliance becomes easier once you build it into your monthly routine. Set a filing date, organize your data the same way every month, and refer to authoritative resources like the Florida Department of Revenue sales tax guide whenever you’re unsure about a specific rule. The checklist above is your map; using it consistently means fewer surprises and more time to run your business.
If you are comparing this against your Florida sales tax obligations, the complete Florida sales tax guide is the best next stop.