Florida Window Tint Laws & SUV Limits
We are often asked, “What is the legal limit for tint in Florida?” or “How dark can I tint my windows?” Fortunately, Florida tint regulations are fairly straightforward.
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Below we’ve outlined the key points of Florida’s tinting laws and how they apply to sedans, SUVs, trucks, minivans, and special cases.
Things we discuss below:
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What Is VLT
Florida’s window tinting laws are based on Visible Light Transmission (VLT), which measures how much light passes through the glass. Some window laws require 28% VLT. That means film percentages like 30%, 35%, or 50% are all legal options in Florida.
The common confusion comes from how these percentages are labeled. For example, a 30% tint doesn’t mean it blocks 30% of light—it means it lets in 30% of light. The darker the number, the less visible light it allows inside your car.
So 5% is very dark and 75% is almost clear. Use the image above to see what it looks like in real life.
The laws allow wiggle room of ±3% off the light percentage (e.g., 28% can be 25%–31%)
Sedan (Regular car)
Windshield: Tint strip above the AS-1 line
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Front Side Windows: At least 28% light and can’t be shiny - 30% tint and higher is ok.
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Back Side & Rear Windows: At least 15% light and can be a little shiny. - 15% tint and higher is ok
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Other: Mesh tint, like with holes in it, needs 30% light or more.
SUV's
Windshield: Tint strip above the AS-1 line
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Front Side Windows: At least 28% light and can’t be shiny - 30% tint and higher is ok.
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Back Side & Rear Windows: At least 6% light and can be a little shiny. - 6% tint and higher is ok
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Other: Mesh tint, like with holes in it, needs 30% light or more.
Trucks & Minivans
Windshield: Tint strip above the AS-1 line
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Front Side Windows: At least 28% light and can’t be shiny - 30% tint and higher is ok.
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Back Side & Rear Windows: At least 6% light and can be a little shiny. - 6% tint and higher is ok
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Other: Mesh tint, like with holes in it, needs 30% light or more.
Police & Factory bought cars
Police Cars: Any tint allowed, even super dark or mirror finish.
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Private Investigator Cars: Any tint allowed on side and back windows, even mirror finish. Windshield follows normal rules (Strip only, not shiny).
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Factory-Tinted Windows: Any tint from the factory is okay if it meets federal rules.
Reflectivity & Side Mirror Requirements
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Florida also regulates reflectivity of window film. The law allows a maximum of 25% reflectivity, meaning highly reflective or mirrored tint films are generally not legal. Reflective tint has gained popularity online, but it’s important to know that Florida only permits a limited amount.
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Side mirrors are also addressed in Florida Statute 316.294. Vehicles must have mirrors that provide a clear view of at least 200 feet behind the car. If your rear window is heavily tinted, functional side mirrors are not optional—they’re required to stay compliant. Basically, if you have a car with at least 1 side mirror, you're good in terms of tint laws.
Medical Exemptions & Permits
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Florida does allow for medical exemptions when it comes to darker tint. People with certain conditions—such as Lupus, albinism, or other autoimmune or light-sensitive disorders—can apply for a permit that allows them to legally use darker-than-standard window film.
To qualify, drivers must complete the proper application and provide medical documentation. The official form for exemptions can be found here: Florida Tint Medical Exemption Application (Form 83390)
How Tint Magic Ensures Compliance
At Tint Magic, we have everything you need to ensure legal compliance. If this is important to you, let us know. Our goal is to give you all the benefits of tint—heat reduction, UV protection, improved privacy—without putting you at risk of fines or compliance issues.
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When you visit our window tint shop, we explain the different percentages available and help you choose the shade that suits your style, privacy needs, and budget. For SUV owners especially, if compliance is your requirement, we’ll walk you through the details of SUV tint laws so you have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is street-legal.
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We also take extra steps to protect your car during installation. From careful cleaning and prep work to professional handling of the glass and seals, we ensure that your vehicle not only looks great but is also safe and protected throughout the process.
Still Unsure? Ask Us.
If you’re still unsure about legal window tinting in Florida, the best thing you can do is ask. Tint Magic is always happy to answer questions about percentages, reflectivity, or SUV regulations. We’ll help you make an informed choice so you can enjoy the comfort and protection of tinted windows.
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When you’re ready, stop by Tint Magic in Jacksonville or give us a call. Our team will guide you through the options and provide a free estimate on your tint project.
We proudly use Solar Gard window tint films, offering many shade options.
Each product is engineered to reduce solar energy and improve driving comfort without interfering with GPS, radio, or mobile signals.