In Florida, illegal window tint is a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can pull you over solely on the suspicion that your tint is too dark or overly reflective. Officers routinely carry handheld light meters (photometers) to measure the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage on the spot.
Florida Legal Tint Limits (VLT Percentage)
| Vehicle Part | Sedans / Coupes | SUVs / Vans / Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield | Top strip above AS-1 line only | Top strip above AS-1 line only |
| Front Side Windows | Must allow 28%+ light | Must allow 28%+ light |
| Rear Side Windows | Must allow 15%+ light | Must allow 6%+ light |
| Rear Windshield | Must allow 15%+ light | Must allow 6%+ light |
Note: Red, blue, and amber tints are strictly illegal on any vehicle. Front side reflectivity cannot exceed 25%, and rear side reflectivity cannot exceed 35%.
What Happens During a Stop
- Inspection: The officer rolls down your window slightly to attach a tint meter and test the glass.
- Citation & Fines: A tint ticket is typically a non-moving equipment violation. Fines usually range from $100 to $120 per window, depending on the county.
- Fix-It / Compliance: In many jurisdictions, you can reduce or eliminate the fine if you strip the illegal tint and show proof of compliance to the court or local sheriff's department.
- Probable Cause: Because the stop itself is legally valid, anything an officer observes inside the vehicle during the interaction (such as plain-sight contraband or odor) can be used as probable cause for a search.
Exemptions Florida allows medical exemptions (e.g., for lupus, medical photophobia, or autoimmune disorders) issued through the Florida DHSMV (Form HSMV 83390), which permits darker window film.
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