Tint Percentages
Window tint percentages explained.
What 5%, 15%, 20%, 35% and 50% tint look like, which are legal on which windows in Florida, and how to choose.
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The short answer
The lower the number, the darker the tint.
Tint percentage is visible light transmission (VLT): 5% lets through about 5% of light and looks nearly black, while 50% lets through half. In Florida, front side windows must let in at least 28% of light; rear windows can go to 15% on cars and 6% on SUVs, trucks and vans. Because the law measures film and glass together, the shade on your car reads a little darker than the film’s number.
| VLT | Look from outside | Florida front side windows | Florida rear windows: car | Florida rear windows: SUV / truck / van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | Nearly black, maximum privacy | Too dark | Too dark | Too dark (6% minimum) |
| 15% | Very dark | Too dark | Usually too dark once on the glass (15% minimum) | Legal |
| 20% | Dark, strong privacy | Too dark | Usually legal | Legal |
| 35% | Medium, noticeable but see-through | Usually legal (28% minimum) | Legal | Legal |
| 50% | Light, mostly glare and heat control | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| 70% | Very light | Legal | Legal | Legal |
How to choose a shade.
- Start with the law. Fronts at 28% or lighter (measured on the glass), then pick the rear shade allowed for your vehicle type.
- Think about night driving. Darker rear glass makes reversing in a dark lot harder.
- Match the factory glass. Many SUVs and trucks have dark factory rear glass; two front windows (from $249.99) can be matched to it within the legal limit.
- Don’t chase darkness for heat. Ceramic film does the heat work at a legal shade.
Windshields
Florida allows only a transparent strip above the AS-1 line on the windshield. We offer that strip, and clear heat-rejection windshield film (from $300) that adds no shade. We never install dark windshield tint.
The full rules with statute references are in the Florida window tint law guide. Prices are in window tint cost in Sarasota, and you can see shades on the window tint page.
FAQ
Good questions.
What tint percentage is legal in Florida?
Front side windows must let in at least 28% of light. Behind the driver, cars must let in at least 15% and SUVs, trucks and vans (multipurpose vehicles) at least 6%. Windshield tint is limited to a strip above the AS-1 line.
What does 5%, 20% or 35% tint mean?
The number is visible light transmission (VLT): the share of light that gets through. 5% lets through about 5% of light and looks nearly black; 20% is dark; 35% is a medium shade; 50–70% is light.
Can I put 20% tint on my front windows in Florida?
No. The front side windows must let in at least 28% of light, measured on the glass with the film applied, so 20% film on the fronts would be too dark.
Does darker tint block more heat?
Not necessarily. With ceramic film, heat rejection comes from the film’s technology, not just how dark it is, so a legal lighter shade can still cut a lot of heat.
Why does my factory glass matter?
The law measures the window as a whole. Factory glass already blocks some light, so film plus glass reads darker than the film’s rating alone.
Pick a shade with us.
We’ll show you film samples on your glass and confirm what’s legal for your vehicle.