How dark can car window tint be in Texas and Florida?

In Texas, front side windows and windshield strips need at least 25% light transmission and no more than 25% reflectance, the windshield strip can't go below the AS-1 line or 5 inches from the top, and shops must install a compliance label. In Florida, front side windows need at least 28% light transmission, windows behind the driver at least 15% (6% on multipurpose vehicles), and the windshield allows only a strip above the AS-1 line.

Key facts

• Texas allows a windshield sunscreening strip with at least 25% light transmission that doesn't extend below the AS-1 line or more than 5 inches from the top.
• Texas requires tint on windows to the left or right of the driver to allow at least 25% light transmission with no more than 25% reflectance.
• Texas bars red, blue or amber windshield tint.
• Texas requires tint businesses to install a compliance label, and failing to do so is a misdemeanor.
• Florida requires front side windows to allow at least 28% light transmission with no more than 25% reflectance.
• Florida requires windows behind the driver to allow at least 15% light transmission, or 6% on multipurpose passenger vehicles, with no more than 35% reflectance.
• Florida issues medical exemption certificates for people with conditions requiring limited light exposure.

What does Texas allow?

Transportation Code 547.613 allows a windshield strip with at least 25% light transmission that stays above the AS-1 line or within 5 inches of the top, and front side windows with at least 25% transmission and no more than 25% reflectance. Windshield tint can't be red, blue or amber. Rear side windows are exempt, and the rear window is exempt if the car has outside mirrors on both sides.

What does Florida allow?

Florida allows windshield tint only along a top strip above the AS-1 line (316.2952). Front side windows need at least 28% transmission and no more than 25% reflectance (316.2953). Windows behind the driver need at least 15%, or 6% on multipurpose vehicles, with no more than 35% reflectance (316.2954).

What should a tint shop give you?

In Texas, a legible, permanent label showing the tint complies, placed between the film and the glass (547.609). A shop that skips the label commits a misdemeanor. Ask any shop to meter the finished window.

Are there medical exemptions?

Florida issues medical exemption certificates for lupus, autoimmune diseases and other conditions requiring limited light exposure (316.29545).

How to choose a provider

• Ask the shop which state's limits it's applying.
• Ask for the film's light transmission and reflectance specs.
• In Texas, confirm the compliance label is installed.
• Have the finished windows metered.
• Keep the receipt and film specs.

Automotive window tinting guides by state and city

• Florida
• Texas

Questions people ask

What is the darkest legal front side tint in Texas?

At least 25% light transmission, with no more than 25% reflectance.

What about Florida?

At least 28% on front side windows.

How dark can rear windows be in Florida?

At least 15%, or 6% on multipurpose passenger vehicles.

Can I tint my windshield?

Only a top strip: above the AS-1 line or within 5 inches in Texas, above the AS-1 line in Florida.

Do Texas shops need to label tint?

Yes. Skipping the label is a misdemeanor.

Is there a medical exemption in Florida?

Yes, certificates for conditions requiring limited light exposure.

Sources

• Texas Transportation Code 547.613, restrictions on windows
• Texas Transportation Code 547.609, required label for sunscreening devices
• Florida Statutes 316.2952, windshields
• Florida Statutes 316.2953, side windows
• Florida Statutes 316.2954, windows behind the driver
• Florida Statutes 316.29545, medical exemption

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.