Florida introduced their car window tinting laws and regulations in nineteen ninety-one, and we’ve compiled all the information possible about the legal guidelines that he states use to determine how dark a tint is allowed to be and all exemptions and certification that might apply, so you’ll know exactly what Florida’s legal tinting position is.
Florida State Automotive Tinting Rules
How Dark Can A Window Tint Be In Florida?
Windshield: The only tint permitted on a windshield in Florida is a single dark, non-reflective tint that must be located above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line.
Front Side Windows: Any tints fitted on the front side window of a vehicle must allow more than twenty-eight percent of light in
Back Side Windows: Tints fitted to both back side windows must allow more than fifteen percent of light in.
Rear Window: The rear window, if fitted with a tint must allow more than fifteen percent light to enter the vehicle
How Reflective Can Window Tints Be In Florida?
Front Side Windows: Both front side windows must be no more than twenty-five percent reflective
Back Side Windows: Both back side windows must be no more than twenty-five percent reflective
Other Florida Automotive Window Tinting Rules And Regulations
Restricted Colors: There are no restricted tint colors in Florida
Side Mirrors: If the rear window is tinted, dual side mirrors are required to be fitted to a vehicle.
Certificate Requirements: Film sold in the state does not need to be certified by the manufacturer.
Sticker Requirements: The sticker identifying legal tinting needs to be placed on the inside of the driver’s door jamb.
Medical Exemption: Special tints are medically exempt under state law. Any and all details can be found by consulting specific state laws.
Florida Tint Law References
Florida 2019 Tint Law Statutes
Florida Medical Exemption Application
Exterior Window VLT Tint
How Much Does Window Tinting Cost In Florida?
The cost of automotive tinting in Florida depends on where you’re located in the state and the type of film being used. While the price range isn’t significant, it does vary slightly between the dyed film used for the average four-door family sedan, which costs around two hundred and thirty dollars and the metallic and ceramic films used for SUVs and minivans which can cost anything up to three hundred dollars.
All prices include labor costs and materials at fully insured and registered body shops, auto specialists, and garages, and while they may vary from location to location, usually fall within the specified parameters.
How Does Car Window Tinting Work?
When you tint a window, a lightweight film is applied to the inside pane of the glass. It is not applied to the outside of the glass. This is to protect the tinting from wear and tear, flying debris, and harsh sunlight.
The first layer will be a strong polyester laminate which should improve the performance of the windows. The polyester is a transparent film.
The next film will have tinting agents like metals and dyes, which create the shading effect. This is the layer that blocks UV rays to protect your skin from overexposure to harsh sunlight.
What Is The Best DIY 35% Tinting Product?
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to find a tint that will actually work well on your car, especially if you buy it online. We have done a lot of research to figure out the best tinting product to apply to your vehicle yourself, and we recommend using the MKBROTHER.
Why Is This The Best?
We praise MKBROTHER so highly because of their easy-to-apply directions, their 99% UV blocking, and their scratch-resistant materials.
The MKBROTHER has a strong tint which allows in visible light but rejects the heat of the sun and the UV rays up to 99% while still sticking to the 35% restriction. This blocking doesn’t create a glare which means you won’t be distracted by the moving sunlight. The lack of glare also means that your vehicle’s interior won’t be affected by the sun rays, allowing it to stay showroom-ready for longer.
As the film is not made from metal fragments, you don’t have to worry about the tinting blocking any of your technology which normally relies on signaling.
How To Apply To Your Car
The tint is made of an adhesive film, which means all you need to do is apply the tint to the car’s window, with no special equipment on hand.
First, you need to clean the glass on your car to remove any impurities. Next, you want to cut the film to match your car’s window size. We would advise that you check their sizing section before buying, as you will want more than enough to cover your window.
After that, you can pull one corner of the tint’s protective layers to expose the adhesive. You will be given a spray solution. Spray this solution onto the adhesive side of the film and onto the inside of the window you are planning on tinting. At this point, depending on your state, you would apply the legalization sticker.
Lastly, you should place the film onto the window with the adhesive sides connecting. Then flatten out any bubbles which may have occurred in the process. If you have left any film on the edge of the window, you can cut it off with an extractor knife.
Pros & Cons Of DIY vs Professional Fitting
There is an obvious reason for doing a DIY fitting instead of hiring a professional, and that’s the price. DIY tinting is so much cheaper that it is definitely worth considering. This can help you either save money or allow you to buy better quality film without the higher charge that the professional will ask for.
However, there is a reason why professionals charge these higher prices. It’s because creating a seamless installation isn’t always easy. If you put the tinting on incorrectly, it won’t last as long, nor will it protect you as much as it should.
Medical Exemption
Florida does allow medical exemptions to allow drivers to fit darker window tints to their vehicles. Drivers can apply for an exemption directly or can talk to their physician about
how to apply and file the necessary paperwork to be granted an exemption certificate. If the application is successful, the certificate needs to be carried within the vehicle at all times and must be presented to any law enforcement official who wishes to see it.