Florida Tint Laws

Whether you're looking to modernize an older vehicle or increase the comfort of a new ride, a window tint can get the job done. Applying your own vinyl window tint allows you to customize your vehicle's style and the amount of light and UV rays entering your vehicle.

But before you make a purchase, you need to know the window tint regulations of any state to which you plan on traveling. Laws vary from state to state, and you need to do your research before purchasing and installing your vinyl window tint.

Even if you do not live in Florida, you may travel there in the future. If you plan on driving there with your own car, make sure your tint complies with their state laws.

In this guide, we'll discuss some important tint terms and facts, the current Florida window tint laws and exceptions to the rules.

Quick Window Tinting Facts

Before you learn the FL window tint laws, you've got to learn the key terms and basic facts involved in window tinting, including:

• You can perform tinting on the front, rear, back and visor. Each state generally has different tint regulations for each window.
• VLT% stands for "visible light transmission." This number measures the percentage of visible light that makes it through the window into the car — so, the lower the VLT%, the darker the windows, and vice versa. Before you purchase vinyl tint for your car, conduct some research to find out if the manufacturer already tinted your car's windows. If they did, make sure to combine your car windows' existing VLT% with the additional vinyl tint when abiding by state laws.
• Except for Hawaii, you measure windshield tints by length, not by VLT%. Some states don't allow any windshield tint, while others have limits of four, five or six inches. Other states only allow you to have tint above the AS-1 line — a horizontal line found on most car windshields.

Now that you've got a better understanding of window tinting terms, you can learn about the window tint laws specific to Florida.

Is Window Tint Legal in Florida?

Florida has one of the highest tolerances for VLT%. These laws help locals reduce UV ray exposure while driving and makes it easy for people coming from out of town to comply with their regulations. 

Here are the specific percentages allowed for the front, rear, back and visor, according to Florida window tint laws:

• Front side: In Florida, the front side windows of a car must have at least 28% VLT. This percentage gives a darker appearance, but outside viewers can see through with relative ease. 
• Rear side and back: The rear side and back windows of a car must have at least 15% VLT. Once you reach 20% or lower, the vehicle becomes difficult to see into from the outside. You can see in when up close, and you can see out when sitting inside. 
• Visor: In Florida, a car can only have a tint on the front windshield above the AS-1 line.

Vehicle and Medical Exceptions

While these laws apply to most vehicles, there are some exceptions to the rule. Some vehicles get an exemption from state laws, including:

• Ambulances
• Buses
• Hearses
• Limousines
• Vehicle owned by a church

Limousines are some of the only vehicles allowed to have a 5% window tint. You can barely see through a 5% tint, so manufacturers make these for the backseat only.

If you have certain medical conditions, you may be able to have a lower VLT% to provide an increased level of protection. While window tints protect most people from developing melanoma, sunburns or skin cancer, some individuals suffering from specific conditions need extra protection, such as people who have:

• Albinism: Due to an absence of melanin, patients with albinism do not have the same protection against UV rays as people without the condition.
• Bloom Syndrome: Patients of bloom syndrome develop dangerous skin rashes after exposure to the sun.
• Cockayne Syndrome: This rare disease can cause photosensitivity.
• Erythropoietic Protoporphyria: This metabolic disorder gives patients tingling, burning, itching skin after initial sun or fluorescent light exposure. Longer exposure leads to red and swollen skin, especially in the hands, arms and face.
• Solar Urticaria: Individuals with this dermatological condition develop red, itchy rashes when they experience sun exposure.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Lupus patients suffer from a sensitivity to sunlight. Some patients develop a "butterfly rash," that worsens under sun exposure.
• Xeroderma Pigmentosum: This condition causes extreme sensitivity to UV radiation. After only a few minutes in the sun, patients start to burn, and these burns can blister for weeks. The condition impacts the exposed skin and eyes.

These conditions all have symptoms exacerbated by sun exposure. However, not every state protects these conditions — be sure to check if your state has a tint law exemption for your condition.

If you suffer from one of these conditions, talk with your doctor about receiving a medical affidavit confirming your health status. Ask about the specific rules in your state. Generally, you'll need to take the medical paperwork and a photocopy of the vehicle's registration to the DMV, fill out an application and await approval.

How to Get Started

After learning the specifics of Florida's tinting laws, you're ready to increase your ride's comfort, style and security. Search our extensive list of custom-cut window tints to find the option designed with your car in mind.

Rvinyl offers everything you need to tint your car windows — so start shopping today!

*Disclaimer: This information is not provided by legal professionals and is intended only to complement, and not to replace or contradict, any legal advice or information provided by your state or legal professionals. The information covered in this resource does not necessarily reflect those of Rvinyl and/or its affiliates. If you have any questions, please contact your local state authorities and/or an attorney or other legal professional.