What Are the Window Tint Laws in Florida? The Complete Guide

To understand Florida tint regulations, you must first understand the concept of Visible Light Transmission, universally abbreviated as VLT.

VLT is the percentage of visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum that can pass through your vehicle's glass and window film combined. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the window tint; conversely, a higher percentage means more light passes through.

For example, a film rated at 5% VLT (commonly called "limo tint") blocks 95% of incoming light, allowing only 5% of light to penetrate the cabin. Clear factory automotive glass typically has a natural VLT rating between 70% and 80%.

When law enforcement officers test your vehicle's windows during a traffic stop, they use a handheld digital tint meter that measures the net combined VLT of the glass and film together.

Under Florida law, multi-purpose passenger vehicles (MPVs)—which include sport utility vehicles (SUVs), pickup trucks, passenger vans, and commercial minibuses—are granted different legal tint allowances for rear passenger windows.

Windshield: The rule remains identical to passenger sedans: non-reflective tint is permitted above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (or the top 5 inches).

Front Side Windows: Front driver and passenger windows must allow a minimum of 28% Visible Light Transmission (28% VLT), exactly the same as passenger sedans.

Rear Side Windows: Rear passenger windows on SUVs and trucks may be tinted significantly darker, down to a minimum of 6% Visible Light Transmission (6% VLT). This allows near-limo darkness for enhanced passenger privacy and cargo security.

Rear Windshield: The rear hatch glass or truck back window may also be tinted down to 6% VLT, provided dual exterior side mirrors are present on the vehicle.

For drivers who suffer from medical conditions characterized by severe photosensitivity or sunlight intolerance, Florida offers legal medical exemptions that permit darker tint than standard statutory limits.

Under Florida Statute § 316.29545, individuals with conditions such as lupus, porphyria, severe albinism, xeroderma pigmentosum, or vitiligo may apply for a medical exemption certificate from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

To obtain an exemption, the motorist must submit Form HSMV 83390 completed and signed by a licensed Florida physician certifying that darker window film is medically necessary.

Once approved, the FLHSMV issues a certificate that must be kept in the vehicle at all times and presented to law enforcement officers upon request during traffic stops. The exemption applies to the specific individual and authorized vehicles.

At SS Wraps & Tints, we believe you should never have to choose between maximum solar cooling and legal peace of mind. Our certified installation specialists ensure your vehicle achieves world-class heat rejection while remaining strictly within Florida legal limits.

We utilize advanced digital plotting systems and carry a full spectrum of high-performance nano-ceramic films, including legal 30% front side films and ultra-high-clarity 70% or 80% windshield films that block up to 95% of infrared heat while remaining visually clear and fully compliant.

Before any vehicle leaves our installation bay, our technicians verify each window using certified digital tint meters, ensuring that your net VLT falls well within state safety guidelines.

With our legal ceramic tint installations, you enjoy total driving comfort, privacy, and UV protection without ever having to worry about Florida traffic citations.