Tint Guide

What Is the Darkest Legal Tint in Florida?

Here's exactly how dark you can go on each window in Florida — and how a medical exemption lets you go even darker.

Quick Answer

Under Florida §316.2953, the darkest legal tint without a medical exemption is 28% VLT on front side windows and 15% VLT on back side windows for sedans. SUVs, vans, and trucks can have any darkness on rear windows but must comply with 28% on front sides.

With a medical exemption under §316.2954, you can legally go darker than these limits on all applicable windows. Given Florida's extreme UV environment (Miami peaks at UV index 11-12), darker tint is medically necessary for many conditions.

Darkest Legal Tint by Window in Florida

Front Windshield

Non-reflective tint allowed above AS-1 line

Florida only allows non-reflective tint above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (typically the top 4-5 inches). Full windshield tint is not permitted even with a medical exemption.

Front Side Windows (Driver & Passenger)

28% VLT

This is the most commonly enforced limit by FHP and local agencies. 28% VLT is a medium tint — you can still see inside the vehicle. Florida’s 28% is more permissive than neighboring Georgia (32%) and Alabama (32%).

Back Side Windows

15% VLT (sedan) / Any darkness (SUV/truck)

Sedans must maintain at least 15% VLT. Multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs, vans, trucks) can have any darkness. Florida’s 15% rear limit for sedans is one of the most permissive in the southeast.

Rear Window

15% VLT (sedan) / Any darkness (SUV/truck)

Same rules as back side windows. If you tint the rear window to any degree, Florida law requires dual side mirrors on the vehicle.

VLT Levels in Context of Florida's UV

Florida has the highest cumulative UV exposure of any continental US state. Even legal tint levels allow significant UVA penetration through side glass. Here's how different VLT levels compare:

70%

Factory glass — minimal UV protection in FL sun

50%

Light tint — still significant UV exposure

35%

Medium tint — popular but above FL front limit

28%

Florida front side limit

20%

Dark tint — requires exemption for front sides

15%

Florida rear limit (sedans)

Limo tint — requires exemption

Lower VLT = darker tint. Sky-blue bars mark Florida's legal limits under §316.2953.

Need Darker Than 28% / 15%? Get a Medical Exemption

For many Florida drivers, the standard 28% front / 15% rear limits don't provide enough protection. This is especially true for patients with lupus (elevated in FL's Caribbean and Hispanic communities), melanoma survivors (Florida leads the US in diagnoses annually), cataracts and macular degeneration (prevalent in FL's large retiree population), and photophobia sufferers dealing with Miami's ocean glare and highway conditions.

A medical exemption under §316.2954 allows you to legally have darker tint on all applicable windows. Our licensed Florida physicians review your existing documentation against state requirements.

What Happens If Your Tint Is Below Florida's Limits?

Florida tint violation penalties

First offense: ~$116 (correctable equipment citation, non-moving)
Repeat offenses: $116+ fine, mandatory court appearance, possible mandatory court appearance
Court may order tint removal with proof required to the clerk
Florida does not require annual inspections — enforcement is 100% through traffic stops

A medical exemption at $225costs less than a single Florida tint citation. It's the only legal way to go darker than 28% / 15% and stay protected from FHP and local enforcement statewide.

Go Darker — Legally

Get a medical exemption and tint your windows as dark as you need. Starting at $225.