The Basics of Florida’s Window Tint Law
A Short Primer on Florida Tint Law
Windshield: No tint is permitted on the windshield in Florida with the exception of an AS-1 line along the top of the window which is 4 inches wide or the manufacturer’s dot matrix (typically non-reflective).
Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 28% of light in the vehicle.
Back Side Windows: Must allow more than 15% of light in the vehicle.
Rear Windows: Must allow more than 15% of light in the vehicle.
Mirrors: No requirement in the statute for side mirrors, however there is a general prohibition against reflective tint in s. 316.2953(3). If your front or rear side windows have reflective tint you may be required to use side mirrors regardless of the degree of tint.
These definitions and requirements are in addition to any federal or local requirements. For example, ss. 316.2950 and 316.2953 are not general tinting requirements but rather requirements for windshield bands or windshield tinting. However s. 316.2953(3)(b) contains a prohibition against reflectors due to risk of possible glare.
Section 316.2951(1)-(2) F.S. states:
(1) All motor vehicles originally equipped with tinted or colored windshields, windows, or other glass in any state shall be exempt from the prohibitions of ss . 316.2951 and 316.2952(1)(a) and from any other requirements regarding the use of tinted, reflective, or colored windshields, windows, or other glazings, provided that such windows or other glass meet the transmittance or reflector requirements established by federal law, including, but not limited to, 49 C.F.R. part 571.205 S6. In addition, any local ordinances, regulations, or other requirements which are more stringent than subsections (2) and (3) shall not apply. Such windows or other glass need not be replaced to conform to the requirements of ss. 316.2951 and 316.2952(1)(a) or any other requirements.
(2) Any local ordinances, regulations, or other requirements regarding the use of tinted, reflective, or colored windshields, windows, or other glass, in effect on October 1, 1991, which are not preempted by this section shall continue in force and effect so long as such laws do not require windshield banding or tinting material within the critical area as defined in s. 316.2953. Such tinting requirements or restrictions shall not be considered as covered by the Florida uniform traffic control laws and are not enacted by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Legal Tint on Different Vehicles
Florida window tinting laws vary based on the type of vehicle. The window tint percentages are measured in the visible light transmission percentage (VLT %). For sedans, trucks, vans, SUVs and MPVs, the following window tint limits apply:
Front windows: NNOFI or 70%VLT
Back Windows: 15% VLT
Rear Windows: 15% VLT
Windshield: AS-1 from the manufacturer’s AS-1 line or non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Sale/use of opaque tinting prohibited
Side mirrors 25% VLT or higher
Reflective tint not allowed on windshield or front side windows
SUVs/MPVs with six or more occupants:
Front windows: 70%VLT
Back windows: 32% VLT or higher
Rear windows: 32% VLT or higher
Window tinting not permitted on the uppermost driver’s side and passenger’s side windows with a VLT lower than 70%
No tint allowed on the front windshield unless tinted to a manufacturer’s AS-1 line or above with no reflectivity
Sale/use of mirrored tinting prohibited
Side mirrors 25% VLT or higher
All sedans, vans, SUVs, and MPVs manufactured before January 1, 2012, whose driver and/or passenger windows have film tinting and/or windows smoked from the top down are presumed to be legal in the state of Florida and are legal if the tint is within the manufacturer’s recommendations on these vehicles.
Exemptions and Special Cases
In some cases, however, exceptions apply or special conditions may be granted through a medical waiver. For instance, drivers with medical conditions require tinted windows, are allowed to use tinting and do not have to follow the above-mentioned rules. While a window tint medical waiver can be given as high as 35 percent, the tint must not be more than 15 percent dark. In terms of legal requirements, the tint must be on the front and back side windows, the windshield and the top of the front windshield. Further, the tint must be affixed to the inside of the window. Note that this medical exemption is reserved solely for those who have a medical need for such tinting and not for other reasons, such as aesthetics or comfort.
On the other hand, Florida law mandates that if the tint is on the front windshield, then the vehicle must display a sticker provided by a manufacturer or installer that states that the vehicle’s owner qualifies for a tinted window waiver. In most cases, the waiver is only good for one vehicle, though there are exceptions.
Penalties for Violation of Tints
The penalties for noncompliance are relatively stiff. A first offense will expose the driver to citations and fines from $50 to $250. The second or any subsequent violation will result in points being added to the driver’s license, which could put you on the fast track for a license suspension. Many people also don’t realize that the tinted window laws apply to all vehicles, so these violations can also result in fines against their employer.
How to Remain Compliant
A few tips about avoiding the headaches that exist with window tinting laws.
First, after tinting your windows on a new or used car, it is imperative that you keep the receipt, so that if for some reason there is a legal challenge to the tint, all that is necessary to prove its legality to law enforcement is present the receipt.
Second, always use a certified technician when applying window tint.
Third , it is strongly suggested that you place a sticker or some other form of visual notification on the windshield confirming that the tint on the front windshield allows 35% light transmittance.
Fourth, be certain that the tint on any front window does not have any reflective characteristics.
Fifth, if you are going to tint any window with reflective materials, you must be fully aware of the fact that there are specific limitations on the reflection you can receive from any exterior vehicle mirror.
How to Measure Window Tints
Methods for Measuring Window Tint To Assure Compliance
The amount of light that penetrates a tinted window is the basis for determining compliance with the law and therefore it must be measured to assure compliance. The tool used to measure the tint on your car is called a light meter.
Light meters are usually handheld devices that don’t require an electrical connection. How much light passes through a tinted window is determined by exposing a photo-sensitive cell to the sunlight, and then adding or subtracting the amount of ambient light until the cell reads a "neutral gray." The dial on the light meter is color-coded and when the indicator is pointing to the gray scale the meter has determined the tint reading.
There are different types of light meters and some are more accurate than others. It is important to have an accurate unit because the readings can vary from one brand to another. The law specifies that at least 28% of the available light must be able to pass through the tinted windows of vehicles. If the light meter is too sensitive it may read a tint as noncompliant when it is not. A noncompliance reading can cost you a trip to the "tinters clinic" and your tint shop may end up footing the bill.
Recent Legislative Changes
While Florida has had laws addressing window tinting for decades, there have been some changes over the years. Most of them were to relax requirements it was the law requiring a doctor’s visit and signed prescription before getting darker tint. First came the "optician’s prescription board" allowing any optician to sign prescriptions instead of just medical doctors and osteopathic doctors. Then came HB 405 in 2015 putting the optician’s prescription board under the Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation . HB 405 also says individuals who are exempt from tint laws (like limousine drivers) do not need a doctor’s note to have the dark tint. HB 405 also requires people who are not exempt to have a doctor’s prescription in the vehicle, with date of issuance, doctor’s name and license number. HB 405 also repeals the requirement for opticians to sign prescriptions and transfers the regulation to DOH. The bill made it illegal for a doctor who gives out false prescriptions (for tinting not needed) a misdemeanor punishable by jail or fine. Newer tint law requirements do not require a note from the doctor, but it still must be ready when stopped.