Having window tints will definitely make your life easier.
But there is a lot of complication around laws and regulations of window tints. Some states allow it, while others prohibit its use.
If you’re wondering about window tint laws in Florida, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss the Florida window tint law and everything around it in detail.
If you live in Florida, this article is for you.
These Florida window tint laws are recently updated in 2023. They were actually enacted in the year 1991.
What are Window Tint Laws? Why These Laws Exist?
Stipulations in law that underline the restrictions on various specifications of window tints are commonly referred to as window tint laws.
These laws determine if you can use window tints in a specific state or not. If yes, then what will be the allowable visible light transmission (VLT) percentage and reflectivity? The law also covers the penalties for violation and parties exempt from following it.
These laws exist for security and safety reasons. With increasing crime rates and car-jacking incidents, it is important for law enforcement personnel to be able to see the driver.
A dark tint enables criminals to get away without any identification. This is why, to ensure the safety of all citizens, window tint laws have been implemented in all states.
Additionally, a dark tint hinders the view of the driver. This is why the traffic administration authority ensures that drivers are able to see through glass properly.
What are the VLT% Restrictions in the State of Florida?
Visible Light Transmission or VLT percentage is the percentage of the visible light that passes through the glass window.
A lower VLT% means a darker tint since it allows a lesser percentage of visible light to pass through it. Similarly, a higher VLT% means a lighter tint since it allows a higher percentage of visible light to pass through it.
Almost all states, including Florida, have imposed restrictions on the VLT% of tints. VLT% restrictions can be divided into two main categories: passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
Let’s discuss both these categories in Florida according to the Florida 2016 Statutes sections 316.2951 through 316.2956: (see sections 316.2951 to 316.2956):
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Windows: The Florida window tint law defines that a minimum of 28% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows. It means that you can use quite dark tints in the state of Florida.
For Rear Side Windows: According to Florida window tint law, a minimum of 15% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the rear side windows.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Windows: For the front side windows of commercial and MPV vehicles, the VLT% restrictions are the same. According to Florida law, a minimum of 28% visible light should be passing through the tint film on the front side windows.
For Rear Side Windows: As far as the rear side windows go, the VLT restriction is slightly more lenient. You are allowed to use a 6% on the rear side windows of a commercial vehicle.
Can You Use Tint on Windshields in Florida?
Before dwelling on the windshield tint laws of Florida, it is important to understand the term AS-1. AS-1 stands for the 1st automotive safety standard line.
In tint laws, AS-1 means that you can only apply a tint on the top 4-6 inches of your windshield. Applying any tint below that will be considered illegal.
Now, let’s see what Florida tint law says about the use of window tint on windshields.
For Passenger Cars
Front Windshield: You can only use window tint till the AS-1 limit of your front windshield for passenger cars in Florida. It is typically top 4-6 inches as applied by the manufacturer.
Rear Windshield: Florida is one of those states that impose restrictions on the VLT% of the rear windshield as well. The rear windshield of your passenger car must allow passage to at least 15% of visible light. However, you can use tint all over it.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
Front Windshield: Again, you can only use window tint till the AS-1 limit of your front windshield for commercial vehicles in Florida. It is typically top 4-6 inches as applied by the manufacturer.
Rear Windshield: You are allowed to apply a tint all over the back windshield of your commercial and MPV vehicles in Florida. However, the tint must allow 6% transmission of visible light.
What are the Reflectivity Restrictions in Florida?
Reflectivity is slightly different from visible light transmission percentage.
Where VLT% decides the amount of visible light passing through the glass film, reflectivity is a measure of light dispersed or reflected by a tint film.
A lower reflectivity means that less amount of light is being reflected off the window glass. Similarly, a high reflectivity means that more light is being reflected.
Let’s see if there are any reflectivity restrictions in Florida.
Passenger Cars
For Front Side Window: According to the Florida tint law, the front windows should not reflect more than 25% of the visible light for passenger cars.
For Rear Side Windows: According to the Florida tint law, the rear windows should not reflect more than 35% of the visible light for passenger cars.
Commercial and Multi-purpose Vehicles
For Front Side Window: According to the Florida tint law, the front windows should not reflect more than 25% of the visible light for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
For Rear Side Windows: According to the Florida tint law, the rear windows should not reflect more than 35% of the visible light for commercial and multi-purpose vehicles.
Can You Use a Colored Window Tint in Florida?
No, Florida tint law completely prohibits the use of any kind of colored tints on all windows. The colored tints make it extremely hard to see through, as they are highly reflective. This is why they are permanently banned in Florida.
Is Anyone Exempt From the Florida Tint Laws?
Yes, people with medical conditions are exempt from Florida window tint laws. You can apply for the permission to use a darker tint by filling out this Florida Medical Exemption Application Form.
However, if you’re using a special tint due to a medical condition, you must carry a note from an licensed doctor. Otherwise, when law enforcement pulls over, you might land in trouble.
Are there any Penalties for Not Complying With the Window Tinting Laws of Florida?
Yes, you may have to face a fine for not complying with the window tinting laws of Florida. You can be fined a maximum of $116 for breaking the Florida tint laws.
The officers carry a refractometer to check the darkness level of your window tint. In case it is darker than the prescribed limit, they will write you a ticket.
However, the good news is that the violation of Florida tint laws will not result in the addition of demerit points to your driving record.
Source: Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Window Tinting Laws
