Florida Window Tint Laws (Fully Explained)

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Geoff Cudd

Geoff Cudd

I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.

I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.

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Florida Window Tint Laws

The laws in Florida are based on the concept of visible light transmission, or VLT. For instance, in most cars, the front and rear windows must have VLTs of at least 28% and 15%, respectively.

On the other hand, in some vehicles, the windshield can have a non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line.

The VLT for the front and rear windows of SUVs and vans is the same regardless of the make and model. For back-side windows, the rating should be at least 6%.

Florida Window Tint Laws for Sedans

• Front Windshield: non-reflective tint is allowed above the carmaker's AS-1 line
• Front Seat Side Windows: 28% or light-in allowed
• Back Seat Side Windows: 15% or more light-in allowed
• Rear Window: 15% or more light-in allowed
• Florida Window Tint Laws for SUVs and Vans
• Front Windshield: non-reflective tint is allowed above the carmaker's AS-1 line
• Front Seat Side Windows: 28% or more light-in allowed
• Back Seat Side Windows: 6% or more light-in allowed
• Rear Window: 6% or more light-in allowed

Other Window Tinting Regulations in Florida

In addition to having the proper VLTs, Florida also has laws that regulate the use of window tint to improve the safety of passengers and drivers.

These include requiring vehicles to have dual side mirrors to help drivers see clearly if they have tints on the back windows.

No restrictions are placed on the colors of window tint in the state, and the manufacturers of these are not required to be certified.

To comply with the laws, you must have a sticker affixed to the inside door jamb of your vehicle. Also, special medical exemptions are available for those needing additional VLTs.

It would help if you always ask your local authorities about interpreting the laws on tint.

Is 5% Tint Legal in Florida?

In Florida, 5% tint is only allowed on vehicles operated by law enforcement agencies, the medically exempt, or private investigators licensed under Chapter 493 of the Florida Statutes.

This means that if you're an undercover agent or a canine unit of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, you can only use 5% tint on vehicles operated by these entities.

Florida Window Tint Medical Exemption References

In addition, Florida also has laws that allow medical exemptions for certain types of vehicle owners. These laws allow people to have window tints for specific medical conditions.

According to Section 316.29545, Florida State Law, the following vehicle owners are to be given exemptions;

1. Autoimmune Disease
2. Albinism
3. Xeroderma Pigmentosum
4. Lupus
5. Vitiligo

To be considered for a medical exemption, you must complete and submit Form HSMV 83390, which contains the necessary information about your condition and the physician's certification statement.

In addition to the information about your condition, the physician also needs other credentials to complete and submit the certification statement. The credentials include the following:

1. He must be licensed to practice under chapters 458, 459, and 460 Florida Statutes.
2. Physicians who practice medicine within a federal prison, military medical facility, or state hospital must provide the address and name of their facility.
3. An advanced nurse practitioner is also required to be licensed under chapter 464, usually licensed under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Medical exemptions are only allowed for people who need to limit their exposure to light. They are also entitled to have sunscreen materials on their vehicle's side windows, windshield, and rear windows.

The person seeking the exemption must come with the following along with the application;

• A valid driver's license
• Florida identity card

How Much Does a Window Tint Medical Exemption Permit Cost in Florida?

A medical exemption certificate is non-transferable and does not have an expiration date. It can be immediately invalidated if the vehicle you're transferring or selling is identified on the certificate.

The fee for a medical exemption in Florida is $6.25 for each car that's eligible for this exemption.

What Does VLT Mean According to Florida State Law?

In Florida, the percentage of light that can pass through a vehicle's windows through a window tint film is referred to as the VLT.

The legal limit for this light transmission is different in each state. For instance, in Florida, the amount of light that can pass through a vehicle's glass and film is different for multi-purpose vehicles and passenger cars.

A higher VLT means more light passes through the window tint film

A 75% tint will allow 75% of light to pass through. On the other hand, a 5% tint can only allow 5% of light to be absorbed. This means that the film will have a darker tint.

The laws regarding window tints in Florida can change daily, so it's important to keep in mind that these regulations and rules can be interpreted differently in different cities and counties.

This information should be checked with local law enforcement agencies or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The last update regarding the Florida window tint laws was on August 22, 2022.

Available Colors for Window Tints

There are various types of window tint colors that you can choose from. Some of these include black, charcoal, gold, and bronze.

Black is a popular color and is considered to be the new modern. It's very effective at blocking ultraviolet rays and protecting your privacy. In addition, no other color can compete with the beauty and elegance of black.

Many people aware of the latest addition to the market need to be mindful of the various factors that affect the choice of window tint.

This is why it's important to educate yourself about the multiple types of window tint and their applications.

Different Types of Car Window Tints Percentages

There are so many types of window tint that it takes time to determine which would work best for your car. However, it's still illegal to tint your windows by 5%.

A "no tint" vehicle is not a tint, as it merely means that the car doesn't have any other film on the window.

Although you'll enjoy a clear view, the UV rays from your car's windows can still affect your eyes and your vehicle's interior.

In addition, during the summer, your car may get exposed to more heat and become more vulnerable.

Fifty Percent

This is the best tint percentage as it doesn't block all of the UV rays nor create a dark effect on your vehicle's interior.

Nonetheless, this type of window tint can help block a large portion of the harmful rays that come from the sun. It can also help lower the heat level inside the vehicle.

Thirty-five Percent

This type of window tint is much better than the 20% tint as it won't be hard to see through the windows.

It also provides a dark and attractive appearance to your vehicle's interior, making you feel more comfortable inside.

Overall, this type of window tint will help enhance your car's appearance and provide various benefits.

Twenty Percent

Although this type of window tint provides a clear view, it could be better for people looking for distant objects. This is why most people will not use this type of window tint.

Five Percent

Although this percentage of window tint is illegal, it's allowed in certain exceptional cases, such as in limousines. This type of window tint results in a high degree of privacy, but it's still not allowed.

Average Cost of a Window Tint

The average cost of a professional car window tint is around $100 to $400 for a standard non-reflective film.

However, the price can go much higher for better quality films such as ceramic or special ones.

The price of a car's window tint is influenced by the various factors that affect its quality and appearance.

One of these is heat rejection. This is because the film's technology changes everything, from appearance to quality. If you're planning on doing it yourself, you can achieve a cost of around $100.

Ceramic Tint Cost

This is the highest-quality ceramic film that you can find. It does not contain any metal or dye and does not interfere with various technologies, such as GPS and radio signals.

The higher price is justified by its technology. There is a hybrid version of this material called nano-ceramic.

This type of ceramic tint is an upgraded version of the classic one. It has various advantages and properties, such as its durability and increased heat rejection. The last thing you want to do is have an accident due to the too-dark window tint.