Florida window tint laws set the legal visible light transmission, or VLT, for each vehicle window. For most drivers, the key number is the front side window limit: 28%. Rear-window and windshield rules can change based on vehicle type, mirrors, medical authorization, and how the tint is measured.
Use this page to check the main legal tint limits in Florida, understand what the percentages mean, avoid common installation mistakes, and know what to verify before you respond to a citation or apply for a medical exemption.
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Florida Legal Window Tint Limits
Important: A tint film percentage is not always the same as the final measured window percentage. Factory glass can already reduce light transmission, so ask for the final measured VLT after installation.
Florida Window Tint Law Table
| Window | Legal Limit | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | transparent strip above AS-1 only | Windshield rules are usually stricter than side-window rules. Do not assume a dark windshield strip is legal without checking the state rule. |
| Front side windows | 28% | This is the most important compliance point because these windows affect driver and officer visibility. |
| Rear side windows | 15% passenger / 6% MPV | Rear side limits may differ for sedans, SUVs, vans, pickups, or multipurpose vehicles. |
| Rear window | 15% passenger / 6% MPV | Rear window tint may depend on outside mirrors or vehicle classification. |
| Reflective tint | 25% front / 35% rear max | Mirror-like tint can create glare and may be restricted even if the darkness percentage is legal. |
Windshield Tint Rule in Florida
For Florida, the windshield rule should be checked separately from the side-window rule. Windshield tint is commonly limited to the upper strip, AS-1 area, or a specific medical authorization. Do not use the rear-window tint percentage as a windshield rule.
Key Florida Tint Compliance Notes
- Florida distinguishes passenger vehicles from multipurpose vehicles for rear windows.
- Medical exemptions use HSMV 83390 and should be described as vehicle-specific/non-transferable.
- Installer/seller penalties differ from ordinary driver violations.
Florida allows a transparent sunscreening strip at the top of the windshield as long as it does not enter the driver’s direct forward viewing area described by the AS-1 portion of the windshield.
Medical Window Tint Exemptions in Florida
Florida uses Form HSMV 83390 for sunscreening medical exemptions. The form requires applicant information, vehicle information, and a physician or qualifying medical provider certification. The certificate is non-transferable and becomes invalid when the vehicle is sold or transferred.
Tint Tickets, Inspections, and Penalties
Florida treats operating a vehicle with illegally installed sunscreening material as a noncriminal traffic infraction punishable as a nonmoving violation. Sellers or installers who violate Florida sunscreening provisions can face a second-degree misdemeanor.
What VLT Means Before You Buy Tint
VLT means visible light transmission. A lower VLT number means darker tint. For example, 20% VLT is darker than 35% VLT because less visible light passes through the window.
The legal reading usually depends on the glass and film together, not just the film box. That is why a film sold as 35% can test lower after it is installed on factory-tinted glass.
Before You Install Window Tint in Florida
- Check the legal VLT limit for each window, not just the front windows.
- Confirm whether your vehicle is a passenger car, SUV, van, pickup, or multipurpose vehicle.
- Ask the installer for the final measured VLT through the glass and film together.
- Verify whether labels, certificates, inspection rules, or medical authorization documents are required.
- Keep proof of any medical exemption or installer certificate in the vehicle if your state requires it.
Common Florida Tint Questions
What is the legal tint limit in Florida?
The main front side window limit is 28%. Rear side, rear window, windshield, and reflective tint rules are different, so use the full table above before installing film.
Is 5% tint legal in Florida?
5% tint is usually not legal on front side windows in Florida without a medical exemption. Rear-window rules can differ by vehicle type, so check the table and the official source before installing it.
Is 20% tint legal in Florida?
20% tint is usually not legal on front side windows in Florida without a medical exemption. Rear-window rules can differ by vehicle type, so check the table and the official source before installing it.
Is 35% tint legal in Florida?
35% tint may be legal on some Florida windows, but legality depends on the window position, vehicle type, final measured VLT, and any medical authorization.
Is windshield tint legal in Florida?
Windshield tint in Florida is limited to: transparent strip above AS-1 only. Medical exemptions may create separate rules, but you should verify before installing any windshield film.
Can I get a ticket for illegal tint in Florida?
Yes. Illegal tint can lead to a citation, inspection issue, removal requirement, or other enforcement action depending on state law and local handling.
Car Window Tinting Laws By State
Use the table below to compare window tint limits across all states. Open each state guide for vehicle-type rules, medical exemptions, penalties, and official source notes.
| State | Front Side Windows | Back Side Windows | Rear Windows | Windshield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 32% | 32% | 32% | top 6 inches |
| Alaska | 70% | 40% | 30% | top 5 inches |
| Arizona | 33% | Any darkness | Any darkness | above manufacturer AS-1 line |
| Arkansas | 25% | 25% passenger / 10% MPV | 10% | top 5 inches |
| California | 70% total / 88% clear film | Any darkness behind driver | Any darkness with dual side mirrors | topmost portion only; special conditions apply |
| Colorado | 27% | 27% | 27% | top 4 inches |
| Connecticut | 35% | 35% | Any darkness with dual mirrors | above AS-1 line / top edge |
| Delaware | 70% | Any darkness | Any darkness | above AS-1 line / top edge |
| Florida | 28% | 15% passenger / 6% MPV | 15% passenger / 6% MPV | transparent strip above AS-1 only |
| Georgia | 32% | 32% | 32% | top 6 inches |
| Hawaii | 35% | 35% | 35% | top 4 inches / AS-1 limit |
| Idaho | 35% | 20% | 35% | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches if no AS-1 |
| Illinois | 35% | 35% | 35% | top 6 inches |
| Indiana | 30% | 30% | 30% | above AS-1 line |
| Iowa | 70% until Jul 1, 2026; 50% after | Any darkness | Any darkness | 70% windshield / AS-1 strip only |
| Kansas | 35% | 35% | 35% | above AS-1 line |
| Kentucky | 35% | 18% passenger / 8% MPV | 18% passenger / 8% MPV | AS-1 / direct-viewing-area limits |
| Louisiana | 25% | 25% | 12% | top 5 inches; no red or amber |
| Maine | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS-1 line / top 5 inches |
| Maryland | 35% | 35% | 35% | AS-1 line / top 5 inches |
| Massachusetts | 35% | 35% | 35% | top 6 inches |
| Michigan | top 4 inches only | Any darkness | Any darkness with dual side mirrors | top 4 inches / shade band only |
| Minnesota | 50% | 50% | 50% | restricted / no transmittance-reducing windshield tint |
| Mississippi | 28% | 28% | 28% | upper manufacturer-authorized sunshield area |
| Missouri | 35% | Any darkness | Any darkness | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches |
| Montana | 24% | 14% | 14% | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches |
| Nebraska | 35% | 20% | 20% | clear below AS-1; no red/yellow/amber above AS-1 |
| Nevada | 35% | Any darkness with dual mirrors | Any darkness with dual mirrors | topmost area; 29-inch measurement rule |
| New Hampshire | 70% | 35% | 35% | no aftermarket tint without waiver |
| New Jersey | Not allowed without medical exemption | Any darkness | Any darkness | Not allowed without medical exemption |
| New Mexico | 20% | 20% | 20% | top 5 inches or AS-1 line; no red/yellow/amber |
| New York | 70% | 70% for passenger cars | 70% unless dual side mirrors | 70%; uppermost 6 inches may differ |
| North Carolina | 32% practical meter threshold | 32% | 32% | top 5 inches or AS-1 line |
| North Dakota | 35% | Any darkness with dual mirrors | Any darkness with dual mirrors | 70% windshield except AS-1/top 5 inches |
| Ohio | 50% | Any darkness | Any darkness | 70% windshield / top 5 inches |
| Oklahoma | 25% | 25% | 25% | top 5 inches or AS-1 line; no red or amber |
| Oregon | 35% final VLT | 35% final VLT | 35% final VLT | top 6 inches |
| Pennsylvania | 70% | 70% passenger cars | 70% passenger cars | top 3 inches |
| Rhode Island | 70% | 70% | 70% | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches |
| South Carolina | 27% | 27% | 27% | above AS-1 line; no red/yellow/amber |
| South Dakota | 35% | 20% | 20% | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches |
| Tennessee | 35% | 35% | 35% | 70% windshield except manufacturer shade band |
| Texas | 25% | Exempt behind driver | No limit with dual side mirrors; otherwise 25% | above AS-1 line or top 5 inches; 25%+ VLT |
| Utah | 35% | Any darkness with dual mirrors | Any darkness with dual mirrors | 70% windshield / AS-1 strip only |
| Vermont | No aftermarket tint without exemption | Any darkness with dual mirrors | Any darkness with dual mirrors | No aftermarket tint without exemption |
| Virginia | 50% | 35% passenger / no limit MPV | 35% passenger / no limit MPV | no sun-shading without medical authorization |
| Washington | 24% | 24% | 24% | top 6 inches / AS-1 limit |
| West Virginia | 35% | 35% | 35% | top 5 inches / AS-1; no red/yellow/amber |
| Wisconsin | 50% | 35% | 35% | above AS-1 line / top 6 inches |
| Wyoming | 28% | 28% | 28% | top 5 inches or AS-1 line; no red/yellow/amber |
Official Source Notes
This guide was updated after a state-by-state batch verification pass using the official or best-available statute, DMV, highway safety, inspection, enforcement, or medical exemption sources listed below. Verify local enforcement and court handling before acting on a citation.
- Florida Statutes § 316.2952
- Florida Statutes § 316.2953
- Florida Statutes § 316.2954
- FLHSMV HSMV 83390 Medical Exemption Form
Disclaimer
This guide is for general informational purposes only and should not be treated as legal advice. Window tint laws, DMV rules, inspection requirements, court procedures, fine amounts, and enforcement practices can change or vary by location, vehicle type, and case details.
Before installing window tint, removing tint, responding to a citation, applying for a medical exemption, or making a legal or vehicle-compliance decision, verify the current rule with your state DMV, local law enforcement agency, inspection station, qualified tint installer, or an attorney familiar with your situation.
If you believe any information on this page is outdated or inaccurate, please contact CarsCounsel so the page can be reviewed.
