Sales Tax

• If you purchase a vehicle from a dealership in Pennsylvania, sales tax is included in the final purchase price. When purchasing a vehicle from a Pennsylvania private party, it is likely you will not pay sales tax during the transaction. If you did not pay sales tax on the car and decide to register the vehicle in Pennsylvania, you will have to pay sales tax upon registering. If you purchase from a private party and do not register the vehicle in Pennsylvania, then you are liable for paying tax upon registering it in Florida.
  
  

Use Tax

• Florida charges a use tax whenever an individual does not pay sales tax on a taxable vehicle and brings it to Florida. If the sales tax amount paid is equal to or greater than the Florida use tax, the individual does not have to pay this tax. As of 2011, the Florida use tax is 6 percent. The Pennsylvania sales tax rate is also 6 percent. If an individual pays the 6 percent sales tax in Pennsylvania on the vehicle, then the Florida use tax will not apply.
  
  

Where to Pay

• You will have to pay the 6 percent tax at the county tax collector's office in the Florida county you reside. You will pay this tax when registering your vehicle in Florida. In order to apply for the title and pay your taxes, you will need to present your insurance coverage and proof of ownership. All taxes and fees are due at this time.
  
  

Difference in Tax

• If a fluctuation occurs in the amount of Pennsylvania sales tax or the Florida use tax, an individual is responsible for the difference. For example, if the Pennsylvania sales tax stays at 6 percent and the Florida use tax raises to 7 percent, an individual is responsible for paying the difference when bringing a taxable vehicle into Florida. This is true for every state that has a sales tax lower than 6 percent.