Florida has seen an increase in people moving to Florida in 2022. Especially in Southwest Florida, the increase in population has led to an increase in traffic.
With more people driving and looking to improve their driving comfort, it's important to know what the laws in Florida are regarding the window tint laws.
While native Florida residents are typically familiar with the car tint laws, maybe you're one of those new residents with no tint on your car windows? Don't be intimidated by the Florida window tint laws.
Getting you familiar with what percent of visible light is allowed is simple. Let's dive right into it before you melt from the heat. This summer is going to be a scorcher.
Benefits of Auto Window Tint
Car window tinting has come a long way since its introduction in the 1950s. Originally used to reduce glare and heat inside vehicles, today's window tinting can do much more. The window tint film is now made of advanced materials that can reject up to 99% of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. This helps protect passengers from harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer.
There are several reasons why you might want to tint your car windows. Tinted windows can help to reduce glare from the sun, making it easier to see while driving. Tinted windows can also help to keep your car interior cooler in the summer months by blocking out some of the sun's heat.
For Those Who Want The Best
Gone are the days of cheap film, which fade and turn purple on you. Today higher quality films such as ceramic car window tinting films are the best non-reflective tint you can install on your car.
They satisfy all the rules and regulations of the Florida window tinting laws. They are better at blocking out more of the heat, and film manufacturers have improved how the colored tint holds up to fading and longevity in the sun.
How Does Ceramic Window Film Reflect Incoming Light?
Ceramic window film contains microscopic ceramic particles that are non-metal and non-conductive. These small particles are added to the film during the manufacturing process and are what give the film its unique color, heat rejection, and infrared reflectivity properties.
Check out the benefits of ceramic window tint for your vehicles here.
What Is The Darkest Legal Window Tint In Florida?
The darkest legal window tint allowed by Florida law for the front driver and passenger windows is 28%. This means that 28% of the visible light will be allowed to pass through the window.
Tint Darkness For Sedans:
Front side windows: 28%
Back side windows: 15% or lighter
Rear window: 15% or lighter
Dual side mirrors: Required when any back windows are tinted.
Windshield: non-reflective tint that's at or above your car manufacturer's AS-1 line
Tint Darkness For SUVs And Vans:
Front side windows: 28%
Back side windows: 6% or lighter
Rear window: 6% or lighter
Dual side mirrors: Required when any back windows are tinted.
Windshield: non-reflective tint that's at or above your car manufacturer's AS-1 line
*The smaller the tint darkness %, the darker the tint will be.*
Why Is 28% The Legal Limit For FL Tint Laws?
The Florida window tint law exists to ensure that drivers have a clear view of the road and their surroundings. Darker tints make it more difficult to see out of your car, leading to accidents.
How Can You Identify Legal Tinting Levels?
A light meter, usually a handheld device with a transparent screen or dial, will be used by the police to measure the amount of light that passes through the glass. The film's overall darkness and the glass will be measured using this tool.
It identifies legal tinting and ensures the window film installed follows the window tint regulations and avoids having your window tinting being interpreted differently than the Florida tint law.
This is critical to understand because your glass has a minor tint to it, which will affect the overall reading. In Florida, the minimum legal level for front windows is 28% visible light transmission. If you have 30% tint plus 75% darkness in your glass, it will fall short of the visible light allowed.
Which Window Tint Darkness Level Should I Choose?
When calculating the amount of darkness, you must take into account the glass pushing that number down by 3-5% or more. If you install 35 percent, it will usually meter around 30-32% (VLT) visible light transmission.
When choosing your window film, have the tint shop meter your windows before you add any window film. Once you have a number, you can ensure which level of window tint is allowed for your car and ensure it meets the Florida window tint rules and regulations.
Is 5% Window Tint Legal?
Aha, well, that's a loaded question. In Florida, the legal limit for tinting your car windows is 28%. There are some exceptions to who is legally allowed to install "limo tint," but we'll get to that later.
5% tint is generally too dark for all windows, but it's legal to have a film with 6% VLT on the rear windows of SUVs and vans as long as the front windows are at least 28% visible light transmission.
If you are caught driving with an illegal window tint, you may be fined and required to remove the window tint.
Window Tint Reflection Laws In Florida
Window tinting can reflect light and help to minimize glare and heat. When it comes to window tinting in Florida, the laws in Florida state that a certain window reflection amount is acceptable.
Tint Reflection For Sedans:
Front Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective
Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective
Tint Reflection For SUVs And Vans:
Front Side windows: Must not be more than 25% reflective
Back Side windows: Must not be more than 35% reflective
Are There Any Exceptions To The Rule?
There are a few exceptions to the rule, primarily for medical reasons. If you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to see in bright sunlight, you may be able to get a certificate for special tint darkness.
There are also some exceptions for law enforcement officers and commercial vehicles.
If you're planning on tinting your car windows, make sure to do it legally! Get familiar with the Florida window tint laws before heading to the shop.
Medical Exemptions For Window Tint
If you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to see in bright sunlight, you may be able to get a waiver for darker window tints.
What Medical Exemptions Qualify?
The following medical conditions qualify for a waiver:
Lupus
Dermatomyositis
Albinism
Total or Facial Vitiligo
Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Other Autoimmune Diseases or Medical Conditions that require limited exposure to light
How To Get A Medical Exemption Certificate
If you have one of the above medical conditions, you must get a Physician's Statement of Certification from your doctor stating that you need a dark tint. You won't need to visit your local DMV.
Instead, you will need to take this certification from your doctor, attach the application for sunscreening medical exemption, and mail it to the State of Florida Division of Motor Services to get a medical exemption certificate. In some cases, you'll receive a sticker that can be applied inside your vehicle's door jamb that states you have an exemption.
What Does The Certificate Allow Me To Do?
Once you have this certificate, you can legally tint your windows as dark as possible without violating the Florida tint laws.
When you receive your medical exemption certificate, it should include a description of the vehicle with the make, model, year, VIN, medical exemption decal number issued for the car, and the registered owner's name(s).
Law Enforcement Exemptions For Window Tint
There are also some exceptions for law enforcement authorities. Certain law enforcement officers, undercover units, canine units, and private investigators can have darker tints on their vehicles. Typically, these vehicles will receive a darker tint than the 28% legal limits.
Can You Be Pulled Over For Window Tint In Florida?
Yes, you can be pulled over. If you are pulled over for having an illegal window tint, you could be issued a warning or a ticket.
However, you may receive a hefty fine if you have been previously cited for this offense. In addition, any window tint that is found to be illegal will need to be removed from your car.
As a result, it is important to ensure that your window tint complies with Florida tinting laws before hitting the road.
Is The Window Tint Too Dark? We Can Remove And Retint.
It happens. If you received a ticket because your car window tint was too dark and didn't have an exemption certificate, give us a call. We can remove the tint and install a legal tint of your choice.
Welcome to Florida! We Can Help
Contact Naples Tint Company today. We offer the best film choices west of the Atlantic Ocean! We will help you select the best film for your vehicle. We serve customers in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, and any nearby surrounding cities.
We will gladly go over which tint is allowed and review the legal tint options and tinting laws to ensure you receive the easiest transition to moving to Florida and following the laws in Florida regarding tinting your car's windows.