Sean | May 27, 2023

Window Tint Laws in Florida
Window Tint Laws in Florida

Nowadays, many vehicles on the road have tinted windows. Lightly tinting the windows of your vehicle is not illegal by any means. However, if you wish to tint your windows in Florida, you must ensure your tints are legal. Tinting your windows with illegal tints can result in legal repercussions and other potential issues. 

What Is a Window Tint, and What Is the Purpose of Tinting Car Windows?

Window tinting is a process in which a thin laminate film is applied to a window with the intention of making the window darker. 

Usually, window tints can help block some sun out of the car, helping keep the car cooler, especially in the warmer months. Tinted windows can also make a car look “cooler” and more sleek.

Florida Window Tint Laws

Florida, like most states, has laws that dictate car window tints. When a person wishes to tint their windows, they cannot simply get any darkness or color. 

The darkness of a window tint is represented by a percentage. The percent of visible light allowed through a tinted window is called “visible light transmission” or VLT. The lower the percentage, the less amount of light goes through the window, so the darker the tint.

Percentages allowed by the law vary depending on the type of vehicle and the location of the window. 

For sedans, the Florida window tint laws are as follows:

  • Front windshield: A non-reflective tint is allowed only if placed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (about five inches under the top of the windshield)
  • Front side windows: Tint must not be darker than 28%
  • Back side windows: Tint must not be darker than 15%
  • Rear windshield: Tint must not be darker than 15%

For larger vehicles, like SUVs and vans, the window tint laws are as follows:

  • Front windshield: A non-reflective tint is allowed only if placed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (about five inches under the top of the windshield)
  • Front side windows: Tint must not be darker than 28%
  • Back side windows: Tint must not be darker than 6%
  • Rear windshield: Tint must not be darker than 6%

Along with the darkness of a window tint, the law also provides details regarding window reflection, where light bounces off the window to help reduce heat and glare. 

Laws for tint reflection are the same for sedans and larger vehicles. For front-side windows, the tint must not be more than 25% reflective. For back-side windows, the tint must not be more than 35% reflective.

Other Florida Rules and Regulations for Window Tints

Along with the above window tinting laws, Florida law also provides additional details, including the following:

  • Restricted colors: In Florida, you cannot have colored window tints. 
  • Side mirrors: When back windows are tinted, the driver must also have dual side mirrors. 
  • Certificates: Manufacturers of tint film do not need to certify the film they sell within the state. 
  • Stickers: A sticker identifying legal tinting is required on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb. 
  • Medical exceptions: Under certain circumstances, Florida law does allow some medical exemptions for special window tints. 

Illegal Window Tints Can Affect Florida Car Accident Cases

If you’re involved in a car accident with someone driving a vehicle with illegal tints, this could have an impact on your case. Dark window tints could impair a driver’s ability to see clearly out of their vehicle’s windows.

Certain window tints are not only illegal but also dangerous to drive with. A Florida car accident attorney can investigate your personal injury case to determine whether window tints played a role in your accident and resulting injuries.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm – Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys

Contact a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys and schedule a free case review today.

Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
700 7th Ave N Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 933-0015