If you live in the Sunshine State, tinting your car’s windows is a necessity.
Apart from making your car look visually appealing, window tints come with a lot of additional benefits.
A good quality film can decrease interior heat, improve mileage by reducing the need for AC, reduce the fading of your car’s interiors and decrease health risks for passengers by blocking 99% of harmful UV rays.
Tinting your car’s windows has a lot of advantages. However, you can’t tint your windows as you like.
Each state has particular laws that dictate how dark or reflective your window tint can be.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is the amount of light the window tint film allows through your car.
This amount is specific to each state, and Florida is no different.
Florida tint laws have precise limits on this, and it varies for Passenger Vehicles and Multi-Purpose Vehicles.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about Florida’s tint laws so you can stay compliant.
Legal Tint Limit for Sedans
If you drive a Sedan, here are the rules and regulations you need to follow to comply with the Florida window tint laws:
Tint Darkness
Tint Darkness is based on the concept of Visible Light Transmission (VLT).
For the windshield, your car is allowed to have a non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
The front side windows must allow at least 28% of light through, while the rear side windows must allow at least 15% of light.
The rear window should also have a VLT of at least 15%.
Tint Reflection
Window tints can also be reflective. It helps reduce glare and heat.
However, Florida tint laws also have regulations on the amount of reflection, so it is vital to ensure your car is compliant.
Your car’s front side windows cannot be more than 25% reflective, while the rear side windows can’t be more than 35% reflective.
Legal Tint Limit for SUVs & Vans
If you drive an SUV or a Van, here are the rules and regulations you need to follow to comply with the Florida window tint laws:
Tint Darkness
Like the laws for sedans, SUVs and Vans can have a non-reflective tint for the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
The front side windows must allow at least 15% of light through.
The restrictions on tint darkness for rear side windows and the rear window are slightly lower for SUVs and Vans than Sedans.
Rear side windows and the rear window must allow at least 6% of light to pass through.
Tint Reflection
The limits on tint reflection for SUVs and Vans are the same as those for sedans.
Your car’s front side windows cannot be more than 25% reflective, while the rear side windows can’t be more than 35% reflective.
Other Rules & Regulations
While tint darkness and reflection are some of the most critical aspects of the Florida window tint laws, you need to be aware of a few other rules and regulations.
- Side Mirrors: If your car’s rear window is tinted, you are required to have dual side mirrors.
- Color Tints: While certain states do allow colored tints, Florida does not permit them.
- Certification: Tint manufacturers do not need to certify the film they produce. It is the car owner’s responsibility to ensure that their tint complies with the local laws.
- Stickers: Florida’s window tint laws require you to display the sticker identifying your tint’s legality on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb.
Florida Window Tint Law Exceptions on Medical Grounds
As per Section 316.29545 of the Florida State Law, people with medical conditions such as Lupus, Albinism, Total or Facial Vitiligo, and Autoimmune Disorders are exempt from the tinting laws.
This exception is granted because their medical conditions require them to limit exposure to light.
The individual has to provide details of their car as well as medical documents for the exemption certificate.
These certificates have no expiration date and are non-transferable.
When the car owner sells or transfers the car to someone else, the certificate becomes void, and the tints need to be removed or made legally compliant.
Other Exceptions
Florida State Law also exempts all law enforcement vehicles used in undercover or canine operations from the window tinting requirements.
Vehicles owned or leased by private investigators or private investigating agencies are also exempt.
Breaking Window Tint Laws
Can you get pulled over for a tint in Florida? Yes, you can.
Just like window tints come with a host of benefits, breaking Florida’s window tint laws has its consequences.
You can be fined for a violation of the law.
A significant proportion of Florida’s law enforcement officers carries Visible Light Transmission meters.
These meters allow them to measure the darkness and reflectiveness of your car’s window tints.
There is an approved list of tint meters that the officers can use to determine violations.
If you are stopped for a Window tint law violation, the law enforcement officer can search your car or question you about other suspicious activities if they wish to.
They can also choose to write a ticket for each window whose tint levels do not comply with the legal requirements.
Hence, it is essential to ensure that your window tints are within permissible limits.
Stay Cool, Stay Compliant
Florida can get incredibly hot and humid. It doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence.
Window tints can help you beat the heat in style.
Stay compliant with the laws and enjoy a cool and comfortable ride.