Window Tint Laws in Florida

Paul Brannon | October 26, 2023 | Florida Law

Window Tint Laws in Florida

Window tinting can provide relief from the Florida heat and aesthetic appeal for your vehicle. Tinted window film serves several other practical purposes, from reducing glare to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. 

Window tinting laws can vary significantly from state to state. This blog post will focus on Florida’s window tint laws.

Florida’s Window Tint Laws

Window tint laws exist to strike a balance between personal privacy, driver safety, and law enforcement needs. Florida’s window tint laws provide drivers with guidance for tinting their car windows. By adhering to these regulations, you can avoid fines, tickets, and other legal complications. 

Visible Light Transmission (VLT)

VLT, or visible light transmission, measures the amount of visible light that can pass through your car’s windows. The lower the number, the less light the tint blocks out. For instance, a 10% tint would mean that 90% of the light is blocked out, and 10% of the light is allowed through. At 0% tint, 100% of the light would be blocked out, and the driver would not be able to see anything. 

As of 2023, Florida’s window tinting laws provide that:

  • Drivers cannot tint the entire windshield. Non-reflective tint can be applied above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which can usually be seen about 5 inches below the top of the windshield. No tint can be placed below the AS-1 line (or 5 inches below the top of the windshield — whichever comes first).
  • Front Side Windows: The law requires a minimum VLT of 28%.
  • Back Side Windows and Rear Window: A minimum VLT of 15% is required. For SUVs, rear side windows and back windows must have a minimum VLT of 6%.

Reflection

In addition to VLT, window tinting laws in Florida also regulate the reflectivity of window tints. While reflective tints can reduce glare and make it easier for drivers to see, the reflectivity of the tint must be regulated so that car tints are not blinding or distracting other drivers. 

The law states that tints on the front side windows should not have more than 25% reflectivity, and rear windows should not have more than 35% reflectivity. No reflective tint may be placed on the front windshield. 

Medical Exemptions

Some individuals may require specific window tints for medical reasons. Florida law recognizes this and allows medical exemptions for darker tints. However, you must consult a doctor and provide proper documentation that the doctor has recommended such a tint.

Florida’s Window Tinting Laws: Penalties and Compliance

Failure to follow window tinting guidelines can increase the likelihood of unwanted traffic stops and lead to fines and tickets. In Florida, the consequences of non-compliant window tinting may include fines and the possibility of a fix-it ticket. If you fail to correct your tint to comply with the law, you could face additional penalties, which could add up to hundreds of dollars in costs. 

If your car tints are not compliant and the loss of visibility leads to a car accident, anyone injured may have a negligence claim against you. In particular, the failure to follow the law may be, in and of itself, considered to be a breach of duty. This is called negligence per se.

In order to avoid those consequences, you should follow these tips to ensure that your window tint is compliant with Florida law:

  • Consult a Professional: If you’re considering window tinting, it’s best to consult a professional who is well-versed in Florida’s window tint laws. They can help you choose tints that comply with the regulations.
  • Check VLT Ratings: Always check the VLT ratings of the tint you plan to install. This will help ensure that your windows are within the legal limits.
  • Avoid Illegal Films: Be wary of illegal or overly dark films that could lead to penalties. Stick to those films that meet state regulations.
  • Keep Documentation: If you have a medical exemption for darker tints, make sure to carry the necessary documentation in your vehicle.

Window tint laws in Florida are in place to ensure road safety and maintain a balance between individual privacy and law enforcement needs. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you can enjoy the benefits of window tinting without worrying about legal complications.

Contact a Fort Walton Beach Car Accident Lawyer To Sort It All Out for You

Florida law on negligent infliction of emotional distress is confusing and rapidly evolving. If you have a significant claim, or if you think you might have a significant claim, contact a Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation. 

You are under no obligation to hire the lawyer just because you scheduled a consultation. If the lawyer offers to represent you, however, you can be fairly confident that they believe they can win your case. After all, under the contingency fee system, personal injury lawyers aren’t paid unless they secure compensation for you.

If you need legal assistance, contact a car accident lawyer at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243

Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 407-6635