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Florida Window Tint Law: A Plain-English Guide
This free guide sums up Florida's vehicle window tint rules so you can choose a legal shade before you book. It is general information, not legal advice. The rules are in Florida Statutes sections 316.2951 to 316.2957, and the Florida DHSMV is the official source.
VLT: the number that matters
Tint darkness is measured as visible light transmission (VLT), the percent of light that passes through the glass and film together. A "35% tint" lets through about 35% of light. Lower numbers are darker. Factory glass already blocks some light, so the final reading can be darker than the film's label.
The limits at a glance
| Window | Sedans and coupes | SUVs, trucks and vans |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line only | Non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line only |
| Front side windows | Must let in more than 28% of light | Must let in more than 28% of light |
| Rear side windows | Must let in more than 15% | Must let in more than 6% |
| Rear window | Must let in more than 15% | Must let in more than 6% |
| Reflectivity | Front sides no more than 25% reflective; rear sides no more than 35% | Same as sedans |
Always confirm current limits with the DHSMV or your installer. Laws change, and this page may not reflect the latest updates.
The windshield and the AS-1 line
The AS-1 line is a small mark near the top of most windshields. Non-reflective tint is allowed above it. If your windshield has no mark, installers usually treat the top few inches as the limit. Ask yours how they handle it.
Medical exemptions
People with certain medical conditions that require limited sun exposure can apply to the DHSMV for an exemption that allows darker tint. The exemption paperwork should be kept in the vehicle.
Tickets and inspections
An officer can stop a vehicle that looks too dark and measure it with a tint meter. A tint violation in Florida is generally a noncriminal moving violation with a fine. If you buy a used car with dark tint, have it metered; removing illegal film is cheaper than repeated tickets.
Home and business windows
The vehicle limits above do not apply to home or commercial glass. For buildings, the questions are HOA or landlord rules, window manufacturer warranties and whether reflective film is allowed on the street side.
Checklist before you tint
- Decide which windows you want tinted and why: heat, glare, privacy or looks.
- Check your vehicle type: sedan limits differ from SUVs, trucks and vans.
- Ask the installer to show the final VLT on a meter after the install.
- Get the film brand and warranty in writing.
- If you need darker tint for medical reasons, apply for the exemption first.
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Car clubs, dealerships, HOAs and community sites are welcome to link to this page as a plain-English reference for Florida drivers. Need a quote? See car window tinting or ceramic window tint.
Window Tinting Ocala is a free referral service, not a tint shop. We do not install window film ourselves. Requests are passed to independent tint installers in the area who set their own prices, choose their own film, do the work and are fully responsible for it and for any warranty. Ask any installer about film brand, warranty, price and Florida tint limits before you book.