Legal Question in Tax Law in Florida

Taxing of an interstate sale (automobile)

I am looking at purchasing a vehicle. I will buy the vehicle in Mississippi, and wish to register/tag it in Florida. It is my understanding that this is an interstate transaction, and therefore not subject to sales tax in the state of Florida. The county tax collector claims that this is not true. I feel that this amounts to regulation of interstate commerce, a power not entitled to the State or county.


Asked on 2/21/02, 10:20 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sanford Martin Martin Law Office

Re: Taxing of an interstate sale (automobile)

Such vehicles, if sales tax is not paid at point of purchase, are taxed by Florida. It is not regulation of interstate commerce, and the Supreme Court has ruled that such taxes do not unduly interference with the flow of interstate commerce. If a sales tax is paid in another state, Florida will not duplicate the tax and will credit owner for sales tax paid. Florida once imposed an "impact fee" on vehicles brought into the state (which a court ruled illegal) in addition to sales tax, so you should consider yourself fortunate.

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Answered on 2/21/02, 11:51 am


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