Florida Tint Laws
The Florida tint laws detail specific automotive tint laws for various cars and SUVs. Car window tinting laws in Florida were established in 1991, and our commitment is to provide you with all the essential details regarding your car’s window tint, including darkness and reflectivity requirements in the state. There are also other significant regulations specific to Florida that you should be aware of. So, let’s delve into the specifics of Florida’s window tinting laws.
Disclaimer
Even though I aced Commercial Law at school and strive to provide accurate and informative content, it’s important to note that I am not a legal expert. The information presented in this blog is based on my interpretation of the subject matter, and laws can vary by location and change over time. It is strongly recommended that readers verify all sources of information and consult with legal professionals or relevant authorities before making any decisions related to tint laws.
Understanding the Terminology Regarding Tint Laws
The most important part of the legislation is understanding what VLT is and how law enforcement services check or test the percentage.
What is VLT
VLT, or Visible Light Transmission, is a measure of the amount of visible light that can pass through a window tint or film. It is commonly used to determine the darkness or opacity of window tints, and it’s an important factor in window tinting laws and regulations.
VLT is typically expressed as a percentage. For example, a window tint with a VLT of 20% allows only 20% of visible light to pass through, making it relatively dark and less transparent. Conversely, a window tint with a VLT of 70% allows 70% of visible light to pass through and is much lighter and more transparent.
How do Law Enforcement services test the VLT percentage?
Window tinting laws vary by jurisdiction, and they often specify the maximum allowable VLT for different types of windows on a vehicle, such as the front windshield, front side windows, rear side windows, and rear window. These laws are designed to ensure that drivers have adequate visibility and that law enforcement can see into vehicles for safety and identification purposes. The manner that they go about testing the VLT is by using a VLT gauge/meter.
Here is a YouTube Short from @TrafficServices and @TorontoPolice showcasing the device and how it works. Even though it is in Canada, it still is helpful to understand how the tint darkness is measured.
Window Tint Darkness in Florida:
The specification of visible light allowed through your car windows, known as Visible Light Transmission (VLT), is a crucial element of Florida’s regulations. These laws vary for different types of vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, and vans.
Florida Car Tint Laws For Sedans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is permissible above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
- Front Side windows: These windows must allow more than 28% of light to pass through the window.
- Back Side windows: Compliance mandates that more than 15% of light penetrates.
- Rear Window: It must permit more than 15% of light.
Tint Laws For SUVs and Vans in Florida:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
- Front Side windows: These windows should permit more than 28% of light.
- Back Side windows: You should ensure that more than 6% of light passes through.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
| Type of Window | Sedans | SUVs/Vans |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line | Non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line |
| Front Side Windows | Must allow more than 28% of light transmission | Must allow more than 28% of light transmission |
| Back Side Windows | Must allow more than 15% of light transmission | Must allow more than 6% of light transmission |
| Rear Windshield | Must allow more than 15% of light transmission | Any level of darkness allowed |
Window Tint Reflection in Florida:
Window tint serves to reflect incoming light, which can help reduce glare and heat. Florida’s tint laws permit a specific level of window reflection when using tint. It’s crucial to be aware of the following guidelines:
Reflectivity Tint Laws for both sedans and SUVs/vans:
- Front Side windows: They should not possess a reflective quality exceeding 25%.
- Back Side windows: These windows should not exhibit a reflection of more than 35%.
Additional Florida Window Tint Rules and Regulations:
Florida has several other essential laws and rules related to window tinting:
Side Mirrors
If any back windows are tinted, dual side mirrors are required.
Restricted Colors
The state does not permit any colored tint.
Certificates
Film manufacturers are not compelled to certify the film they sell in the state.
Stickers
The law mandates that a sticker to identify legal tinting is required on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb.
Medical Exceptions
Florida allows medical exemptions for special tint. You can consult your state’s law for specific terms of the exemption.
Regulations for Out-of-State Drivers
The same regulations apply to out-of-state drivers as they do for drivers living in the State.
If you are from a State such as Georgia or Alabama, you are expected to abide by these laws and regulations.
Interpretations of Florida’s tinting laws and regulations may differ depending on your county or place of residence. To ensure complete compliance, it is highly advisable to verify this information with your local DMV or law enforcement authorities.
Our information about window tint laws in Florida was last updated in 2023. We are committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information on window tint laws. If you come across any inaccuracies or outdated data, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your trust in our resources is of utmost importance, and we are dedicated to offering you the most reliable information available.
FAQs on Florida Window Tint Laws
What is the darkest legal tint in Florida?
The darkness of the tint depends on whether the car is a sedan or SUV, as well as which window is tinted. In Florida, sedan front-side windows must allow over 28% light transmission, and back-side windows and rear windows must permit more than 15% light. For SUVs and vans, front-side windows should allow more than 28% light, back-side windows must permit more than 6% light, and rear windows have no restriction on darkness.
Can you get pulled over for a 5% tint in Florida?
If you have a 5% window tint on the side windows or the rear windshield of a sedan vehicle you can get pulled over by law enforcement. As a result, you may be fined and need to remove the tint. The consequences of this are up to the officer pulling you over.
Is it legal to tint your whole windshield in Florida?
No, it is illegal to tint your whole windshield if you are in Florida. You are, however, permitted non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. This means you can tint approximately the top 5 inches or so of your windshield.