Window Tint Laws in Florida

September 20, 2022 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Florida Law

There’s a reason people call Florida the Sunshine State. With sunny weather almost year-round, Florida motorists enjoy some of the country’s best and brightest driving weather.

Though sunny weather may be great for many drivers, it can often become too much to handle behind the wheel, especially in the summer when temperatures reach their limits. When your car starts to feel like an oven, an effective way to offset this is by tinting your windows.

There are many, many benefits from adding tint to widows. Reflective film can reduce the temperature of your car, and a dark tint can help you feel safer. But keep in mind that too much tint may cause a car accident when visibility is reduced.

If you decide to add tint to your vehicle’s windows, you must comply with Florida law. Otherwise, you risk getting pulled over and paying hefty legal penalties.

Window Tint Laws Explained

Each state has different laws allowing varying levels of tinting on vehicle windows. In many cases, the two most important factors are:

Darkness
Reflection

The light that can pass through the tinting on a window is measured by a percentage of visible light transmission (VLT). The higher this percentage, the more light the tint allows to enter.

Florida first enacted window tint statutes in 1991 and has modified over time the levels of allowance and the types of tints that are legally accepted. While many states allow a 50% VLT, Florida laws are more complex and can vary depending on the type of vehicle.

Window Tint Darkness

Under Florida law, sedans, SUVs, and vans all have different allowances for window tint darkness.

For sedans, you must meet the following standards:

Front Windows: At least 25% VLT
Back Windows: At least 15% VLT
Rear Window: At least 15% VLT
Windshield: Above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line

For vans and SUVs, the following darkness is allowed:

Front Windows: At least 28% VLT
Back Windows: At least 6% VLT
Rear Window: At least 6% VLT
Windshield: Above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line

In most cases, windshields are allowed the most limited tint due to visibility and safety concerns. AS-1 refers to the small tag found on most windshields that states how far down the tint can be applied. Generally, manufacturers will allow for a few inches of tinting to be added near the top, but windshields must largely remain clear and visible.

Window Tint Reflection

Many Florida drivers enjoy the comfort of reflective films to reduce heat and glare from their vehicles. When it comes to measuring the reflection of an aftermarket tint, the following is allowed under Florida law for sedans, vans, and SUVs:

Back Side Windows: No more than 35% reflective
Front Side Windows: No more than 25% reflective

Too much reflection on a car’s windows can cause unnecessary distractions and puts drivers at risk of a collision. Florida laws are strict about how reflective a window can be.

Penalties and Exceptions to Florida Tinting Laws

Window tint penalties are considered non-moving violations under Florida law. A first offense will land you a penalty fee of roughly $100. Additional violations for failing to follow window tint laws will incur extra costs.

Unlike other states, Florida law does not allow colored window tints. Should you fail to follow color provisions, you risk additional consequences that law enforcement may add to your base penalty.

Florida also has special allowances for individuals needing additional protection from the sun for medical conditions, including photosensitivity. Should you meet the standards for added tinting, you’ll need to apply for a special permit issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety.

Contact the New Port Richey Personal Injury Law Firm of Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in New Port Richey today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.

We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and its surrounding areas:

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 223-6200

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
600 Bypass Dr Suite 224-D, Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 493-4418

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 350, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 314-5988

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
5006 Trouble Creek Rd Unit #200, Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 910-5060

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakeland Office
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd Suite 18, Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 251-6196