Question 1

What exactly is a Florida window tint medical exemption under §316.2954?

Accepted Answer

A medical exemption under Florida Statutes §316.2954 is a physician-certified document authorizing you to apply darker window tint than the standard limits (§316.2953 sets 28% VLT front / 15% VLT rear for sedans). A licensed Florida physician must certify that your medical condition requires enhanced UV or light protection while driving. Florida is one of few states that also requires a compliance sticker on the driver’s side door jamb in addition to the certificate.

Question 2

Florida requires a sticker for tint exemptions. What is that?

Accepted Answer

Unlike most states, Florida law requires vehicles with medical tint exemptions to display a compliance sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. This sticker signals to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and local law enforcement that your tint is legally exempted. You must also keep your exemption certificate in the vehicle. Without both the sticker and certificate, you may still be cited during a traffic stop.

Question 3

Florida doesn’t have annual vehicle inspections. How is tint enforced?

Accepted Answer

All tint enforcement in Florida occurs during traffic stops. FHP patrols I-95, I-75, I-4, the Florida Turnpike, and other major corridors. Local agencies (Miami-Dade PD, Tampa PD, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Orlando PD) enforce within their jurisdictions. Miami-Dade County has the highest tint enforcement density in the state. Officers use calibrated tint meters to measure VLT during stops.

Question 4

Is my Florida exemption valid if I drive to Georgia or Alabama?

Accepted Answer

Your Florida exemption is issued under Florida law and is only guaranteed valid in Florida. Georgia requires 32% VLT on all side windows, and Alabama also requires 32%. If your tint is darker than those limits, you could be cited in those states regardless of your FL exemption. Keep your documentation with you when traveling, as some officers may exercise discretion, but compliance is not guaranteed outside Florida.

Question 5

What medical conditions qualify for a Florida tint exemption?

Accepted Answer

Florida’s extreme UV environment (Miami reaches UV index 11-12, classified “Extreme”) makes conditions like lupus, melanoma, and photophobia particularly urgent. The state’s large retiree population means cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma are among the most common qualifying conditions. Florida’s significant Caribbean and Hispanic communities also experience elevated lupus prevalence. Other qualifying conditions include migraines, rosacea, psoriasis, vitiligo, LASIK recovery, multiple sclerosis, dry eye syndrome, albinism, and keratoconus.

Question 6

Do I need to provide medical records?

Accepted Answer

Yes — existing medical documentation is required. You must have records from a primary care physician, ophthalmologist, dermatologist, or specialist confirming your condition. This can be from any Florida provider — University of Miami Health, Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa), Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville), Cleveland Clinic Florida, or your community physician. Most PCPs and specialists do not sign tint exemption paperwork directly, which is the gap our service fills. Our licensed Florida physician reviews your uploaded documentation against §316.2954 requirements.

Question 7

How long does the application process take?

Accepted Answer

The online application takes about 5-10 minutes. After you submit your documentation and payment, a licensed Florida physician reviews your records against §316.2954 requirements. Most reviews complete within 24 hours — many are processed the same day. Your certificate is delivered digitally upon approval.

Question 8

What if my application is denied?

Accepted Answer

If the reviewing physician determines your documentation does not meet Florida’s medical criteria under §316.2954, you will not be charged. We only process payment for approved exemptions.

Question 9

Can I apply if I already have dark tint installed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many Florida drivers apply after already having tint installed. Getting the exemption retroactively makes your existing tint legal under §316.2954 and protects you from future citations by FHP and local agencies.

Question 10

How much does a Florida tint exemption cost?

Accepted Answer

Our documentation review and physician consultation is $250. This covers review of your existing medical records against §316.2954 requirements, a licensed Florida physician’s professional consultation, and your official exemption certificate if approved. A single tint citation in Florida costs approximately $116 with court costs — making the exemption less expensive than one ticket.

Question 11

Are there any recurring fees or subscription charges?

Accepted Answer

No. The $250 is a one-time payment. There are no monthly subscriptions, renewal fees, processing charges, or hidden costs of any kind.

Question 12

Is the fee refundable if I’m not approved?

Accepted Answer

You are not charged unless your exemption is approved. If the reviewing physician determines your documentation does not meet Florida’s requirements, no payment is processed.

Question 13

What happens if FHP or local police pull me over for dark tint?

Accepted Answer

Present both your medical exemption certificate and show the compliance sticker on your driver’s side door jamb. Under §316.2954, a valid medical exemption is a complete legal defense against tint violation charges. FHP, Miami-Dade PD, Tampa PD, and all Florida agencies must accept valid exemption documentation.

Question 14

What are the fines for illegal tint in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Tint violations in Florida are correctable equipment citations (non-moving). First offense is approximately $116 with court costs. Repeat offenses carry $116+ fine, mandatory court appearance and may require mandatory court appearance. You may also be ordered to remove the tint and provide proof of removal to the clerk of court. While no points are assessed, the violation appears on your record.

Question 15

Is window tint a primary offense in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FHP and all Florida law enforcement can pull you over solely because your tint appears too dark. This is why having both the exemption certificate and compliance sticker is critical — officers can initiate a stop based solely on visual inspection of your tint darkness.

Question 16

I got a tint ticket. Can a medical exemption help me fight it?

Accepted Answer

If you have a qualifying medical condition, obtaining an exemption now may help you contest your current citation in court. Present the exemption to the clerk or judge as evidence that your tint serves a medical purpose. Going forward, the exemption prevents all future tint citations in Florida.

Question 17

What is VLT and how do Florida officers measure it?

Accepted Answer

VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is the percentage of light that passes through your window. Lower VLT = darker tint. Florida officers use calibrated tint meters (photometers) during traffic stops. The device clamps onto your window and gives a digital VLT reading. FHP uses meters calibrated to Florida DHSMV standards.

Question 18

What’s the darkest legal tint in Florida without an exemption?

Accepted Answer

For sedans: 28% VLT VLT on front side windows and 15% VLT VLT on back/rear windows. SUVs, vans, and trucks can have any darkness on rear windows but must comply with 28% VLT on front side windows. The windshield allows non-reflective tint allowed above as-1 line only.

Question 19

Does factory tint count toward Florida’s VLT limit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tint meters measure total light transmission through the glass — factory tint plus any aftermarket film combined. Most factory glass is 70-80% VLT. Adding 35% aftermarket film to 75% factory glass results in approximately 26% combined VLT, which would be below Florida’s 28% front limit for sedans.

Florida Window Tint Exemption FAQ

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