Florida sales and use tax in the amount of 6% is collected on the purchase price, less trade in, on all vehicle transfers of ownership.  In addition, some counties charge a local discretionary sales surtax.  Hillsborough County residents currently pay a 1.5% discretionary sales surtax on the first $5,000 of taxable value.

Example:  Purchase Price $10,000

How to Calculate Florida State Sales Tax:
Taxable Value                                 $10,000.00
6%                                          x  .06
Total Sales Tax                                   $600.00 

How to Calculate Hillsborough County Discretionary Tax:    
Discretionary Taxable Value:      $5,000.00
1.5%        x  .015
Total Discretionary Tax                 $75.00

How to Calculate Total Tax:
Sales Tax                                          $600.00
Discretionary Tax                           + $75.00 
Total Tax Due                                   $675.00