Florida tint law
Florida Window Tint Law, in Plain English
Florida's tint rules are in the Florida Statutes, sections 316.2951 to 316.2957. Here's what they say, without the legal language. This is general information, not legal advice. We checked it against the 2026 Florida Statutes on October 8, 2026.
| Window | Cars (sedans, coupes) | SUVs, trucks, vans | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective strip above the AS-1 line only | Non-reflective strip above the AS-1 line only | 316.2952 |
| Front side windows | At least 28% light in, max 25% reflective | At least 28% light in, max 25% reflective | 316.2953 |
| Rear side windows | At least 15% light in, max 35% reflective | At least 6% light in, max 35% reflective | 316.2954 |
| Back window | At least 15% light in, max 35% reflective | At least 6% light in, max 35% reflective | 316.2954 |
"Light in" is visible light transmittance (VLT), measured with the film on your car's glass. Factory glass already blocks a little light, so a 35% film on the front windows usually reads lower than 35%.
The details that trip people up
- Film and glass are measured together. The law tests the film as applied to your car's glass, not the number on the box.
- Plus or minus 3%. Every percentage has a 3% tolerance (316.2955).
- SUVs, trucks and vans can go darker in back. The statute calls them multipurpose passenger vehicles. 6% behind the driver instead of 15%.
- Dark back window means two side mirrors. If the back window isn't see-through, the car needs mirrors on both sides (316.2954(2)).
- The sticker. The installer must put a compliance label inside the driver's door jamb (316.2955).
- Windshield. Only a strip above the AS-1 line, and it has to be transparent. A light or clear film on the full windshield is still not allowed unless you have a medical exemption.
- Medical exemption. Lupus, autoimmune diseases and other light-sensitive conditions can qualify. Apply with FLHSMV form HSMV 83390 (316.29545).
- Penalties. For drivers, a noncriminal nonmoving infraction. For installers, a second-degree misdemeanor (316.2956).
At CEA we meter your front windows before you pick up the car. See our tint films and prices.
Sources
Florida tint law questions
Is full windshield tint legal in Florida?
No. Section 316.2952 only allows sunscreening material along a strip at the top of the windshield, above the AS-1 line, and it must be transparent. The one exception is a medical exemption certificate from FLHSMV.
How dark can my front windows be in Florida?
At least 28% light transmittance, measured with the film on the glass of your car, and no more than 25% reflective (section 316.2953). This applies to every vehicle type.
How dark can my back windows be?
On cars, at least 15% light transmittance and no more than 35% reflective. On multipurpose passenger vehicles, like SUVs, trucks and vans, at least 6% (section 316.2954).
Is there any tolerance on the meter reading?
Yes. Section 316.2955 gives every percentage a tolerance of plus or minus 3%.
Can I get a medical exemption?
Yes, if you have lupus, an autoimmune disease or another condition that requires limited light exposure. You apply to FLHSMV with form HSMV 83390 signed by your doctor (section 316.29545). The certificate is tied to one vehicle.
What happens if my tint is too dark?
For the driver it is a noncriminal, nonmoving traffic infraction. A shop that sells or installs film in violation of the law can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor (section 316.2956).
Does the shop have to put a sticker on my car?
Yes. Section 316.2955 requires the installer to put a compliance label on the inside of the driver's door jamb with the film's trade name and the installer's business name.
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