Getting your windows tinted in Florida? Before you pick a shade, it's worth knowing exactly what's legal — getting pulled over for illegal tint is an easy, avoidable ticket. Here's a clear breakdown based on Florida's actual statutes.
Florida's Legal Tint Limits
- Front side windows: Must allow at least 28% of light through (28% VLT)
- Back side windows: Must allow at least 15% of light through (15% VLT) for cars; 6% for SUVs, vans, and trucks
- Rear window: Must allow at least 15% of light through (15% VLT) for cars; 6% for SUVs, vans, and trucks
- Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed only above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (the factory-marked strip near the top)
These limits are set by Florida Statute 316.2953, which also caps reflectivity on front side windows at 25%.
Why 28% on the Front Windows?
Florida's front-window limit exists for driver visibility and officer safety during traffic stops — law enforcement needs to be able to see into the vehicle. It's also one of the more generous limits in the country, meaning you can still get a noticeably dark, heat-rejecting tint on your front windows while staying fully legal.
What We Recommend
At Subject 9 Customs, we typically recommend 30% film for front side windows — just above the 28% legal minimum, giving you a safe buffer against tint meter measurement tolerance while still delivering strong heat rejection and a clean, dark look. For back windows and the rear windshield, Florida law gives you much more room to go darker if you want maximum privacy and heat control.
What Happens If Your Tint Is Too Dark?
Illegal tint in Florida is treated as a non-moving traffic violation — you can be cited and fined, and in some cases required to remove or replace the film to pass inspection. It's a completely avoidable cost when your installer knows the law and measures correctly.
Medical Exemptions to Florida's Tint Law
Florida does allow for darker-than-standard tint under a legal medical exemption, authorized by Florida Statute 316.29545. This isn't a workaround — it's a formal certification process through the state.
Who Qualifies
The exemption covers medical conditions requiring limited light exposure, including:
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
- Other autoimmune diseases
- Dermatomyositis
- Albinism
- Total or facial vitiligo
- Xeroderma pigmentosum
- Multiple sclerosis (with limited light or heat exposure needs)
How to Get One
- Complete FLHSMV Form 83390, the Application for Sunscreening Medical Exemption
- Have a licensed Florida physician, optometrist (for sight-related conditions), physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner complete and sign the Physician's Statement of Certification section
- Submit the completed form to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), along with any required fee
Once approved, the exemption certificate must be kept in the vehicle at all times and applies to the certified individual — meaning it's valid in any vehicle that person drives, not tied to one specific car. It allows tint darker than the standard limits, including on the front side windows.
If you believe you may qualify, this is a conversation to have with your physician first — we're happy to help with the installation once you have your certificate in hand.
Ready to Get Tinted?
Not sure what percentage is right for your vehicle? Check out our window tinting page for our full range of XPEL tint options, or give us a call at (321) 349-0296 — we'll make sure you're both happy with the look and fully street-legal.