In Florida, your front side windows must let in at least 28 percent of light (28 percent VLT), so they cannot be very dark. For a sedan, the back side windows and rear window must let in at least 15 percent of light, and for an SUV, van, or truck, the back side and rear windows can go darker, down to 6 percent. On the windshield, only non-reflective tint is allowed, and only above the manufacturer's AS-1 line (roughly the top few inches). Florida also limits how reflective tint can be, and it allows a medical exemption for darker tint with a signed certificate from a Florida physician. In short, the darkest legal tint is 28 percent on the fronts for every vehicle, and 15 percent (sedan) or 6 percent (SUV or truck) in the rear. Below is the full breakdown, plus the honest advice we give at the shop.
First, What Does VLT Mean?
Tint darkness is measured as VLT, which stands for visible light transmission. It is the percentage of light the window lets through. The lower the number, the darker the tint. A 28 percent VLT window lets in 28 percent of the light, and a 6 percent window lets in only 6 percent and looks very dark. One important detail people miss: the VLT is the combined result of the film plus your factory glass, not just the film. Factory glass already blocks some light, so a film has to be chosen so the finished window meets the legal minimum. A shop that measures the result with a tint meter is how you make sure the final window is legal.
Florida's Legal Tint Limits, Window by Window
| Window | Sedan (car) | SUV, van, or truck |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line only | Non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line only |
| Front side windows | At least 28% VLT | At least 28% VLT |
| Back side windows | At least 15% VLT | At least 6% VLT |
| Rear window | At least 15% VLT | At least 6% VLT |
Two things to note. The front side windows are the same for every vehicle at 28 percent, so no vehicle can legally run very dark fronts. The difference between a car and an SUV or truck is only in the back glass, where SUVs, vans, and trucks are allowed to go darker. Florida also caps reflectivity: front side windows cannot be more than 25 percent reflective and back side windows cannot be more than 35 percent reflective, which keeps mirror-like tints from being legal.
The Windshield Strip and Medical Exemptions
The windshield (AS-1 line)
Florida does not allow tinting the full windshield. You may apply a strip of non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line, which is a line etched into most windshields near the top, generally the top few inches. That top strip is the legal spot for a sun visor band. Below the AS-1 line, the windshield must stay clear.
Medical exemptions
Florida allows a medical exemption for tint darker than the standard limits. To qualify, you need a signed medical exemption certificate from a licensed Florida physician stating that you have a condition requiring limited sun or light exposure, and you must keep that certificate in the vehicle. Conditions that commonly qualify include light-sensitivity disorders and certain skin conditions. The exemption is what lets some drivers legally run darker tint than the general limits, but only with the proper paperwork on hand.
Why Getting the Tint Right Matters Here
Here is what we tell our Apopka customers. In Florida, tint is not just a look, it is heat and UV protection you actually feel, so people are tempted to go as dark as possible. The catch is that tint that is too dark for the fronts is a ticketable violation, and an officer can measure it with a meter. Getting stopped, cited, and told to remove tint you just paid for is a bad outcome that a little planning avoids.
The honest advice we give is to run the legal maximum where you want the most protection. On the fronts, 28 percent is both the legal limit and plenty of heat and glare reduction for daily driving. On the back glass of an SUV or truck, you can legally go much darker if you want privacy and cooling. And if you have a genuine medical need for darker fronts, get the physician's certificate first so your tint is legal and you can prove it. A licensed installer measures the finished VLT so you leave with tint that looks great, blocks the Florida heat, and passes a traffic stop. Note that laws can change, so confirm the current Florida statute for your exact situation.
Legal, Heat-Blocking Window Tint in Apopka
Freedom Tire & Automotive installs automotive window tint in Apopka, and because we install to Florida's legal limits and measure the finished VLT, you leave with tint that blocks our heat and sun and passes a traffic stop. We will walk you through how dark you can legally go on your specific vehicle, help you choose the film, and handle the medical-exemption darkness if you have the certificate. Straight answers, quality film, clean installs.
See our full window tinting service, or call our tint line at (407) 703-7126 to ask about your vehicle or book an install.
Florida Window Tint Law FAQ
How dark can you legally tint your windows in Florida?
Front side windows must be at least 28 percent VLT on every vehicle. For a sedan, the back side and rear windows must be at least 15 percent VLT. For an SUV, van, or truck, the back side and rear windows can go down to 6 percent VLT. Darker than that is illegal without a medical exemption.
What is the legal tint limit for the front windows in Florida?
At least 28 percent VLT for all vehicle types. The front side windows cannot legally be very dark in Florida, and reflectivity on them is capped at 25 percent.
Can you tint your windshield in Florida?
Only a strip of non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line, which is near the top of the windshield. The rest of the windshield must stay clear. A full windshield tint is not legal.
Does Florida allow a medical exemption for darker tint?
Yes. With a signed medical exemption certificate from a licensed Florida physician, kept in the vehicle, a driver can legally run darker tint than the standard limits for a qualifying medical condition.
Is my SUV allowed darker tint than a car in Florida?
Yes, on the back glass. SUVs, vans, and trucks can have back side and rear windows down to 6 percent VLT, while sedans are limited to 15 percent on the same windows. The 28 percent front-window limit is the same for both.
Where can I get legal window tint installed in Apopka?
Freedom Tire & Automotive at 1440 E Semoran Blvd, Suite 101-102, Apopka, FL 32703. We install to Florida's legal limits and measure the finished VLT. Call our tint line at (407) 703-7126.
Tint That Beats the Heat and the Law in Apopka
Want the darkest legal tint, real heat protection, and no worry at a traffic stop? Freedom Tire & Automotive installs Florida-legal window tint and measures it to be sure.
Call our tint line (407) 703-7126 or visit 1440 E Semoran Blvd, Suite 101-102, Apopka, FL 32703. Open Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Closed Sunday. Se Habla Espanol.
This page explains Florida window tint rules for general information and is not legal advice. Tint laws can change; confirm the current Florida statute or ask us about your specific vehicle.
