Florida Tint Law
Florida window tint law: what’s legal.
The legal limits for every window on cars, SUVs, trucks and vans, in plain English — from a Sarasota 3M tint studio.
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The short answer
Florida tint limits at a glance.
In Florida, front side windows must let in at least 28% of light. Rear side and rear windows can go to 15% on cars and 6% on SUVs, trucks and vans. Windshield tint is only allowed as a transparent strip above the AS-1 line.
| Window | Car (sedan / coupe) — light let through | SUV, truck or van (multipurpose) — light let through | Reflectance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Transparent strip above the AS-1 line only | Transparent strip above the AS-1 line only | — |
| Front side windows | At least 28% | At least 28% | 25% or less |
| Rear side windows | At least 15% | At least 6% | 35% or less |
| Rear window | At least 15% | At least 6% | 35% or less |
“Light let through” is visible light transmission (VLT): the share of light that passes through the glass and film together.
What the percentages mean.
Tint is rated by visible light transmission, or VLT. A 35% film lets through about 35% of visible light; a 5% film is close to black. The lower the number, the darker the window.
Florida’s limits apply to the finished window, not the film on its own: the statutes test the material “as applied to and tested on the glass” of the specific vehicle (s. 316.2953, s. 316.2954). Factory glass already blocks some light, so a film’s rating and the reading on your car aren’t the same number.
Is my vehicle a car or a multipurpose vehicle?
The darker 6% limit behind the driver applies only to multipurpose passenger vehicles. SUVs, pickups and minivans usually fall in that group; sedans, coupes and hatchbacks don’t. If you aren’t sure, the vehicle type is usually printed on the federal certification label in the driver’s door jamb. Ask us and we’ll check it with you.
Can you tint a windshield in Florida?
Only a strip at the top. Florida allows transparent sunscreening material along the top of the windshield as long as it doesn’t reach into the driver’s direct forward view, which is defined by the AS-1 line marked on the glass (s. 316.2952).
How reflective can tint be?
Mirror-like film is limited too: no more than 25% reflectance on the front side windows and no more than 35% behind the driver (s. 316.2953, s. 316.2954).
Medical exemptions
Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues medical exemption certificates to people with lupus, an autoimmune disease or another condition that requires limited exposure to light (s. 316.29545). The certificate lists the vehicle and isn’t transferable. The application is FLHSMV form HSMV 83390; follow FLHSMV’s instructions for the process.
Legal and cool at the same time.
Going darker isn’t the only way to beat the heat. Ceramic film is built to block heat without needing a darker shade, so you can stay within the 28% front limit and still feel the difference. See our shade guide, tint for Lakewood Ranch or Tesla tint.
General information, not legal advice. Based on Florida Statutes ss. 316.2952, 316.2953, 316.2954 and 316.29545 as published for 2026 at flsenate.gov. Last reviewed October 20, 2026.
FAQ
Good questions.
What tint percentage is legal in Florida?
Front side windows must let in at least 28% of visible light. Windows behind the driver must let in at least 15% on cars, or at least 6% on multipurpose passenger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks and vans (Florida Statutes 316.2953 and 316.2954).
How dark can I tint an SUV or truck in Florida?
The front side windows still need at least 28% light transmission. The rear side windows and rear window can go as dark as 6% on multipurpose passenger vehicles (Florida Statutes 316.2954).
Can you tint your windshield in Florida?
Florida allows a transparent sunscreening strip along the top of the windshield, as long as it doesn’t reach into the driver’s direct forward view, defined by the AS-1 line marked on the glass (Florida Statutes 316.2952).
How reflective can window tint be in Florida?
Film on the front side windows can reflect no more than 25% of visible light; film behind the driver can reflect no more than 35% (Florida Statutes 316.2953 and 316.2954).
Is the law measured on the film or on the window?
On the window. The statutes test the material as applied to the glass of the specific vehicle, so the factory glass and the film are measured together.
Is there a medical exemption for window tint in Florida?
Yes. Under Florida Statutes 316.29545, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues medical exemption certificates to people with lupus, an autoimmune disease or other conditions that require limited light exposure. The certificate is tied to the vehicle and is not transferable. FLHSMV’s application is form HSMV 83390.
Want it legal and cool?
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