Money and costs in Miami
South Beach and Brickell can be expensive bases. Miami-Dade generally combines 6% state sales tax with a 1% county surtax; lodging has additional local taxes. Mandatory hotel fees belong in the displayed total, and restaurant service charges need a separate check before you add a voluntary tip.
Taxes and added fees
Florida's general sales-tax rate is 6%, and Miami-Dade adds a 1% county surtax, giving a 7% combined rate on most taxable purchases. Lodging also has local tourist or resort taxes that depend on the property's location. Hotels may charge mandatory resort or amenity fees, but the FTC rule requires those charges in the displayed total price; they should not appear as a surprise at checkout. Government taxes and optional extras may be shown separately before payment.
Ask what any resort fee covers and compare the final total for the whole stay, including taxes, parking and optional services you actually want. Read the cancellation terms before booking, especially for beachfront stays and major event weekends.
The automatic-gratuity catch
Some Miami and Miami Beach restaurants add an automatic service charge, often around 18–20% in tourist areas. Do not assume that the entire charge is the server's gratuity: a compulsory service charge is not legally the same as a voluntary tip. Read the menu and itemized bill, and ask how the charge is distributed and whether gratuity is included.
An extra tip line may appear even when a service charge has already been added. Any additional voluntary tip is your choice; clarify the existing charge before deciding how much to add.
Paying and everyday tipping
Cards and contactless payments are accepted nearly everywhere; carry a little cash for valet, housekeeping, and small tips. Outside restaurants that already add service, standard US tipping applies — about 18 to 20 percent at sit-down meals, a dollar or two per drink, and a few dollars for drivers and hotel staff.
Beach clubs, valet parking, and South Beach nightlife can carry steep minimums and fees, so confirm prices up front in those settings.
Reviewed source trail
- Florida Department of Revenue — sales and use tax — checked 2026-09-12
- Florida Department of Revenue — discretionary sales surtax (Miami-Dade) — checked 2026-09-12
- Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau — checked 2026-09-12
- Florida Department of Revenue — 2026 county surtax table — checked 2026-09-12
- Federal Trade Commission — hotel prices and mandatory fees — checked 2026-09-12
- US Department of Labor — service charges and voluntary tips — checked 2026-09-12