When you own a business in Jacksonville, Florida, you have a number of responsibilities, including owing state and local taxes to the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR). Jacksonville business tax compliance is essential to limit your risk for fines, audits, and civil penalties, but there are a lot of requirements that can vary for different businesses. It’s always important to be aware of your obligations and take the time to ensure you meet them.
State Taxes for Jacksonville Businesses
Florida doesn’t have a personal income tax, which is beneficial for both employers and employees. But there are still many tax obligations that businesses owe the Florida DOR.
Sales Tax
The Florida sales and use tax is set at 6% for most sales and rentals of goods or certain services. Jacksonville businesses must pay 7.5% in sales and use tax because of Duval County’s additional 1.5% discretionary sales surtax.
In fiscal year 2025, the Florida DOR collected $41.1 billion in sales and use taxes, and an additional $5.7 billion in local sales taxes and surtaxes. Nearly $319,500,000 of the local optional sales tax was from Duval County. The sale of specific goods or services may have higher or lower sales tax rates.
Use Tax
The use tax applies when purchases are made in Florida, or when they are made online but occur in or are sent to the state of Florida. If the sales tax is not applied when the purchase is made, then the customer has to report and pay that tax. The use tax is the same as the sales tax.
Reemployment Tax
Reemployment tax is Florida’s unemployment tax. When a business or employer is first liable for this tax, it is set at 2.7% and is applied to the first $7,000 in wages paid to an employee each year. Once your business has reached ten quarters in which you are liable for the tax, the percentage can change.
Then, the percentage is calculated using several factors, but it will not be less than 0.1% nor greater than 5.4%. The funds from the reemployment tax provide temporary financial support for those who have lost employment. A business with qualified employees is responsible for this tax.
Corporate Income Tax
Florida businesses are liable for state corporate income taxes, which are set at 5.5%. The DOR collected $5.8 billion in corporate taxes in 2025. Certain business types may be exempt from paying this tax, such as single-member limited liability companies.
Different types of businesses may also owe additional taxes. For example, businesses offering communications services or prepaid wireless services usually have to collect unique taxes.
Local Taxes for Jacksonville Businesses
Jacksonville businesses and employers have additional obligations at the local level. This can include:
- Local sales surtax. This is Duval County’s 1.5% sales surtax.
- Property tax. These taxes are dependent on the market value of the property and vary based on the location and the type of property. In 2022, the mileage rate in Jacksonville was 17.0303, and the commercial property tax is capped at a 10% raise each year.
- Business receipt tax. Most Jacksonville businesses are required to get a local business tax receipt, and businesses in several cities in Duval County also need a municipal local business tax.
Other Key Obligations for Jacksonville Businesses
Businesses should also consider their federal obligations, including federal corporate income, unemployment, Social Security, and Medicare Taxes. In fiscal year 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collected more than $17.9 billion in business income taxes from Florida.
FAQs About Jacksonville, FL Business Tax Compliance
What Is the State and Local Sales Tax in Jacksonville, Florida?
The state and local sales tax in Jacksonville, Florida, is 7.5%. This is a 6% sales tax at the state level and a 1.5% surtax for Duval County. This discretionary sales tax is made of three 0.5% sales taxes, one that expires at the end of 2030, one that expires at the end of 2035, and one with no expiration date. Businesses must collect and report these taxes.
Does Duval County Require a Business Tax Receipt?
Yes, Duval County requires a local business tax receipt if you own or operate a business in Jacksonville and Duval County. On July 1st of every year, businesses can renew and pay for their business tax receipts, and on September 30th, all prior local business tax receipts expire. The new and renewed receipts begin on October 1st.
Are Florida Businesses Exempt From State Tax?
No, Florida businesses are not exempt from state tax, although they do not have to worry about the personal state income tax that businesses would usually report. Instead, businesses have other tax requirements, such as state reemployment taxes, local property taxes, the state and local sales and use taxes, and others. It is crucial that businesses are aware of their tax obligations on the state level, on top of their federal tax obligations.
Does Florida Require a State Tax Filing for Businesses?
Yes, Florida requires a state tax filing for businesses. There may also be local taxes depending on your jurisdiction, business type and size, and other factors. If you are unsure what taxes you owe in Florida, you need to work with a skilled business state tax attorney in Jacksonville who can help you meet your obligations.
Hire a Tax Lawyer in Jacksonville at TaxSmith, LLC
When you hire a state tax lawyer in Jacksonville, it is much easier to meet your business obligations. At TaxSmith, LLC, we have spent years in tax law, and we know the federal, state, and local obligations that businesses in Jacksonville have to meet. We always remain aware of the changes to legislation and the unique requirements that might affect your business. You can focus on running your business and meeting other important responsibilities while we handle your taxes.
We can also help if you have more complex tax issues, such as tax debt. There is an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center office in Jacksonville at 400 West Bay Street. There is also a Florida DOR Taxpayer Service Center in Jacksonville. Get in touch with TaxSmith, LLC in Jacksonville Beach today.
