Window Tint Laws in Florida: How Dark is Too Dark?
Tinting your car windows helps block solar heat, reduce glare and provide added privacy. However, it’s important to ensure your newly installed window tint complies with local laws.
Failing to adhere to Florida’s tint laws can result in a traffic citation, fines, and potentially being required to remove the window tint at your own expense.
To ensure that your investment is protected, we recommend following these guidelines to ensure your vehicle is in compliance with Florida’s laws and regulations surrounding window tint.
Front Windshield Tint Laws in Florida
The darkest legal tint allowed for front windshields in Florida is more restrictive than for the sides and rear windows. No matter what type of vehicle you have, tint can only be applied from the top of the glass down to the AS-1 line. This area covers the top 5 or 6 inches of the windshield where the glass curvature is lessened.
Installing any tint darker than 70% on the front windshield is illegal in Florida. Per Florida Statutes, windshield tint must have a visible light transmission (VLT) of at least 70% and must be placed above the AS-1 line.
Florida Statutes, Chapter 316.2952 defines the laws surrounding windshield tint:
“316.2952 Windshields; requirements; restrictions—
(b) Sunscreening material along a strip at the top of the windshield, so long as such material is transparent and does not encroach upon the driver’s direct forward viewing area as more particularly described and defined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 205 as the AS/1 portion of the windshield. […]
(7) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.”
Transparent tint, as stated in the section quoted above, is defined as tint at 70% visible light transmission or greater.
For windshield tint to be in compliance with the tint laws in Florida, it must not impede visibility and the film must not be darker than 70% VLT.
Tint Laws in Florida for Side Windows & Rear Glass
There’s a lot more flexibility when it comes to tinting the sides and rear windows for vehicles in Florida.
Florida’s window tint laws distinguish between the front and rear side windows, with different rules for the rear windows based on whether the vehicle is a sedan, coupe, or a multipurpose vehicle such a truck, van or SUV.
Darkest Legal Tint for the Front Side Windows
For all vehicles in Florida, the darkest legal tint allowed for the front side windows must exceed 28% visible light transmission (VLT).
In other words, the windows must allow at least 28% of light to pass through. It is illegal in Florida to tint your front side windows using films darker than 30%.
Florida Statutes, Chapter 316.2953 states the following about tinting the front side windows:
“316.2953 Side windows; restrictions on sunscreening material.—
[…] A sunscreening material is authorized for such windows if, when applied to and tested on the glass of such windows on the specific motor vehicle, the material has a total solar reflectance of visible light of not more than 25 percent as measured on the nonfilm side and a light transmittance of at least 28 percent in the visible light range.
A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.”
It is illegal to install highly reflective or colored window tint in Florida. The film must be neutral in color and not increase the reflectivity of the glass beyond 25% for the front side windows or 35% for the rear side windows and back glass.
Tinting Your Car’s Rear Windows in Florida
In Florida, the darkest legal tint percentage allowed for the rear sides and back windows is determined by the type of vehicle you own.
Sedans and coupes follow different rules compared to multipurpose passenger vehicles, such as trucks, SUVs and vans.
If your vehicle is a sedan or a coupe, your rear side windows and back glass must allow at least 15% visible light through the glass. This means that most films down to the 15-20% VLT range are acceptable.
If your vehicle is a truck, SUV, or van, your rear side windows and back glass must allow at least 6% visible light through the glass. In other words, any tint above 5% VLT is permitted in Florida if your vehicle meets these classifications.
Florida Statutes, Chapter 316.2954 states the following about tinting rear windows:
“316.2954 Windows behind the driver; restrictions on sunscreening material.—
Sunscreening material consisting of film which, when applied to and tested on the rear window glass of the specific motor vehicle, has a total solar reflectance of visible light of not more than 35 percent as measured on the nonfilm side and a light transmittance of at least 15 percent in the visible light range; however, sunscreening material which, when applied to and tested on the rear window glass of the specific motor vehicle, has a total solar reflectance of visible light of not more than 35 percent as measured on the nonfilm side and a light transmittance of at least 6 percent in the visible light range may be used on multipurpose passenger vehicles.“
You may be pulled over if your car has fully blacked out windows, since it’s illegal to have 5% limo tint installed on any vehicle in Florida.
Medical Exemptions for Tint in Florida
Florida’s window tint laws are clearly stated – there is very little room for interpretation. Those who want darker tint than what’s permitted in Florida must seek a medical exemption or run the risk of being pulled over in the future.
If you have a medical condition that causes photosensitivity, you may be eligible for a medical exemption in Florida. Consult with your doctor to begin the application process.
These exemptions are typically non-transferable, and valid for only one car at a time.
Florida Statues, Chapter 316.29545 provides context on medical exemptions for tinting:
“316.29545 Window sunscreening exclusions; medical exemption; […] —
(1) The department shall issue medical exemption certificates to persons who are afflicted with Lupus, any autoimmune disease, or other medical conditions which require a limited exposure to light, which certificates shall entitle the person to whom the certificate is issued to have sunscreening material on the windshield, side windows, and windows behind the driver which is in violation of the requirements of ss. 316.2951-316.2957. […]
At a minimum, the medical exemption certificate shall include a vehicle description with the make, model, year, vehicle identification number, medical exemption decal number issued for the vehicle, and the name of the person or persons who are the registered owners of the vehicle. A medical exemption certificate shall be nontransferable and shall become null and void upon the sale or transfer of the vehicle identified on the certificate.”
Exemptions for Police & Private Investigators
If you’re a police officer or private investigator, you may already know that certain vehicles are granted an exemption from Florida’s tint laws due to darker tints being necessary in your profession.
All undercover police and canine vehicles are automatically exempt from following window tint laws in Florida.
Vehicles owned and operated by private investigators and process servers are also exempt from the regulations concerning window tint in Florida and may have darker tint installed.
Florida Statutes, Chapter 316.29545 also establishes these exemptions:
“316.29545 Window sunscreening exclusions;[…] certain law enforcement vehicles, process server vehicles, and private investigative service vehicles exempt.—
(2) The department shall exempt all law enforcement vehicles used in undercover or canine operations from the window sunscreening requirements of ss. 316.2951-316.2957.
(3) The department shall exempt from the window sunscreening restrictions of ss. 316.2953, 316.2954, and 316.2956 vehicles that are owned or leased by process servers certified pursuant to s. 48.29 or by private investigators or private investigative agencies licensed under chapter 493.”
Florida Tint Laws in Summary
In conclusion, the darkest legal tint for the front driver and passenger side windows in Florida must exceed 28% visible light transmission (VLT).
For sedans and coupes, the rear windows must exceed 15% VLT. If you drive a truck, van, or SUV, your rear windows can be tinted down to 6% VLT.
Front windshields can have 70% tint applied from the top of the glass down the AS-1 line.
Additionally, medical exemptions can be granted by medical professionals for those with photosensitivity issues.
Always double check with local laws and regulations to ensure your tint is compliant to avoid fines and unnecessary hassle. We are not attorneys, and nothing written on our website is meant to be legal advice.
About Pro Tint of Orlando
With their team of highly experienced installers, Pro Tint of Orlando ensures that its 3M window tinting and paint protection film services are performed to the highest standards, backed by an industry-leading film warranty from 3M Corporation.
Pro Tint of Orlando also applies vinyl wraps, ceramic coatings and GlassParency, an innovative auto glass protection treatment.
In addition to their automotive services, Pro Tint of Orlando provides full-service window film installation for homes and businesses.
Their installers are licensed and insured in the State of Florida, offering 3M window film solutions for sun control, security, privacy and decorative purposes.
For pricing info, or to learn more about Pro Tint of Orlando’s award-winning services, call (407) 841-2123 or visit one of their locations in Orlando or Apopka, Florida.