Here's the math, using a "sales price" of 10,000.
You would substitute in the actual sales price of the car you're looking to buy, and keep in mind that if you're buying new, a "manufacturer's rebate" does NOT lower your sales price for tax purposes, but a trade-in or dealer discount does. Clear as mud, ain't it?
Sales price - $10,000
Sales and Use Tax (state) - 6.0% - $600
Discretionary Sales Surtax (county) - 1.5% is the highest - $150
Title Fee for a new vehicle - $77.25 [Used vehicle title fee is $85.25]
Registration fee (estimate for a regular car, regular plates) - $50.00
Plate Transfer - I believe this one is included in the invreased price for a Used Car title, above... if not, add $8
So on a $10,000 used car, you are looking at something in the $885 range for tax, title and license in Florida.
The Discretionary Sales Surtax varies by county, with the highest in the state at 1.5%. Most counties have this tax, at one rate or another, and whatever county the dealer is in determines the rate he has to use. Even if you live in another neighboring county.
Registration fees are the most flexible, because there are about seven things that go into that equation.
Vehicle type, weight, age, plate type, county where it is registered (where you live), plus about ten state fees ranging from a dime to a dollar apiece.
For most late-model passenger cars, pickups, and SUVs, $45-$50 is a reasonable estimate.
If you're looking at a very small car, that would weigh less than most, you can drop about $10 off the total.
I cannot remember right now if Florida is one of the states where they allow dealer discretionary fees too - some states do. The dealer is allowed to add a percent or so to the total to recoup his tax liability. If so, plan on another $100 or so for that.
