Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | May 31, 2025 | Car Accidents
There are many reasons why people decide to get their car windows tinted. Some people simply think their car looks better with tinted windows. In Florida, window tint can also help keep a car cooler during the hot summer months.
Regardless of your reason for getting tinted windows, you should know that there are laws in place that govern how dark the tint can be. Before you pay the tint shop to apply tint to your windows, make sure you know the rules.
Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about Florida’s window tint laws.
How Dark Can My Windows Be in Florida?
When discussing the darkness of window tint, you will often hear it described in percentages. These percentages refer to the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) of the tint. This percentage specifies how much light is able to pass through the tint.
For example, 15% VLT appears to be pretty dark because only 15% of the light passes through the tint on the window.
In Florida, the minimum legal VLT percentages are as follows:
- Front side windows: VLT of at least 28%
- Rear side windows: VLT of at least 15% for sedans (6% for multi-purpose vehicles, such as SUVs and vans)
- Rear windows: VLT of at least 15% for sedans (6% for multi-purpose vehicles, such as SUVs and vans)
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint may be installed above the AS-1 line
In addition to darkness, tint also has a reflective value. This refers to the amount of light that reflects off the tint. For example, some highly reflective tint has a mirror-like finish. The reflectivity requirements are discussed in the next section.
Tint Reflectivity Requirements
Florida law also dictates how reflective window tint can be. Tints that are extremely reflective can become like a mirror. This can be very dangerous to others on the road and could lead to car accidents.
Reflectivity requirements for window tint in Florida are as follows:
- Front Side Windows: Reflectance of not more than 25%
- Rear Side Windows: Reflectance of not more than 35%
- Rear Windows: Reflectance of not more than 35%
- Windshield: Reflectance of not more than 25% and only above the AS-1 line
Reflectance should be measured from the non-film side of the window. This means that the reflectance should typically be measured from outside the car.
Window Tint Labeling Requirements
When you have window tint installed on your vehicle, the installer is required to affix a label to your car showing that the tint adheres to all applicable laws. The label should be installed on the vehicle’s inside left door jamb.
It should include both the trade name of the film material and the installer’s business name.
Exceptions to the Window Tint Laws
Some vehicles are exempt from the window tint laws. These vehicles may have a tint that is darker than the typical rules. The exceptions to the tint rules include:
- Law enforcement vehicles
- Process servers
- Private investigators
- Medical exceptions
Some people have medical conditions that require limited exposure to sunlight. Upon proof of their medical condition, a medical exemption decal will be issued for their vehicle.
This decal serves as an exemption from the tint requirements on their vehicle.
Penalties for Window Tint Violations
If your vehicle does not adhere to the tint laws in Florida, you could face some consequences. First, illegal window tint provide probable cause for traffic stops. A police officer may stop you specifically for your window tint.
Next, if you are found to be in violation of the window tint laws, you will be given a nonmoving traffic citation. This citation may result in fines, and you could be forced to remove the illegal tint. Remember that the tint laws are in place for a reason.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Window tint laws help prevent accidents, especially ones that are related to poor visibility, such as pedestrian accidents or bicycle accidents.
Before you head to the tint shop, make sure you fully understand all the laws that apply to your vehicle. Make sure you use a reputable shop that affixes the proper label to your car and that is knowledgeable about the laws that apply in your situation.
If you need help, reach out to Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers. We offer a free consultation with a Florida car accident lawyer.
Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and its surrounding areas:
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 77-33866