If you live in South Florida and want to know, “What is the best percentage of window tint for cars?” The Tint Team in Pompano Beach can assist you figure out what window tint % means so you can choose the perfect colour for your automobile. In Florida, the sun and heat are so powerful that you almost have to tint your windows. In just one hour, the inside of a parked car can get 45°F hotter than the outside. You have to do more than just look great; you also have to follow the rules. Florida’s car window tint laws say how much light can pass through the glass. For example, the front side windows can’t have any tint darker than 28% VLT. Our Car Window Tint % Guide explains to you what the “legal window tint percentage Florida” is and what “tint percentage should I get” to get the best balance of style, comfort, and following the rules.
What does it mean to have a certain amount of window tint?
The quantity of light that the film and glass let through is called the “visible light transmission” (VLT). It indicates the darkness of the window tint. When the VLT is higher, more light can get through, which makes the hue look brighter. The tint is darker when the VLT is lower because less light gets through. A 20% tint, for example, blocks 80% of visible light, while a 50% tint only blocks 50%. In actual life, limo tint with 5% tint is quite dark and only allows in 5% of the light. It keeps the heat down and gives you the most seclusion, but it’s hard to see through. It was only used on windows in the back most of the time.
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20% tint: A 20% tint makes it dark and blocks 80% of the light. It keeps you safe from UV radiation and heat, but at night it makes it hard to see. A lot of the time on the windows on the rear and sides.
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35% tint: Dark to medium; it blocks 65% of light from getting through. It strikes a good balance between visibility, privacy, and reducing glare. This is one of the most typical choices for front side windows in warm places. This means that half of the light is blocked by 50% tint. It keeps some heat and UV rays out without making the glass too black.
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70% tint: Very light; it barely blocks 30% of light. It is mostly clear and protects against UV rays.
To put it simply, the answer to “what tint percentage should I get?” depends on what you need and what the legislation in Florida says. You can’t go above the legal limit, but darker colours block more heat and UV rays. Even light tints can block up to 99% of UV rays. The front windows must allow in at least 28% light, no matter what colour they are. Many Floridians chose 35% VLT for their front doors. It looks black, but it’s still legal and keeps the cabin much cooler.
Florida’s window tint laws (what’s okay)
The rules in Florida about window tint are rather clear. To prevent obtaining a ticket, make sure your tint meets the rules in your state:
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Windshield:
You can only add tint to the windscreen above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line, which is around two to three inches from the top. There can’t be any tinted or mirrored glass on the windscreen.
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Front side windows (driver and passenger):
The driver and passenger windows on the front of the car must let in at least 28% of visible light (VLT ≥ 28%). In other words, you may make these windows 72% darker.
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Rear side and back windows (sedans/coupes):
The back and rear windows of sedans and coupes must allow in at least 15% of light (VLT ≥ 15%). A lot of cars chose either 15% or 35% as their dark shade.
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Rear side and back windows (SUVs, vans, trucks):
Vans, trucks, and SUVs must have windows in the back and rear that let in at least 6% of light (VLT ≥ 6%). This means that SUVs can legally have a very dark “limo tint,” which can be as dark as 94%.
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Reflectivity:
There are additional laws in Florida about how glossy the tint can be. The tint on the front windows can’t reflect more than 25% of light, while the tint on the back windows can’t reflect more than 35%.
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Side mirrors:
If you want to tint your back windows, you need two side mirrors.
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Prohibited colors:
You can only use black and dark grey tint films in Florida; coloured ones are not allowed.
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Medical exemptions: Some patients can acquire a medical exemption for darker color, but they have to demonstrate documentation.
If you break the law, you could get a non-moving infraction, which is a fine and a ticket for driving without a license. In fact, past court cases have shown that illegal tint might even give police a “probable cause” to pull you over. Every time you go to the DMV, look at the job of a shop and the rules there. Every window tint job we execute is legal in Florida, thanks to our Tint Team.
How to Pick the Right Tint Percentage for Florida
So, how much window tint is optimal for cars in Florida? It’s a balance between being safe, comfortable, and easy to see:
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Windows in the front: The law says that the VLT can’t be more than 28%, however a lot of drivers choose 35%. It is one of the darkest legal options for front windows, and it does a great job of keeping the heat down while staying over 28%. If you want a lighter tint that lets in more light at night, 50% VLT is another popular choice. Don’t let the entrance doors go below 28%!
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Rear windows: Sedans can have 15% tint on their back windows. People who own SUVs can go even darker (6% VLT). A lot of people put 15% VLT in the back to make the car look more sporty and keep it cool. (5% is not legal unless you get a doctor’s note.)
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Windshield: The tint on the front windscreen must be above the AS-1 line. A clear UV blocker or a very light strip of tint at the top is what we normally suggest. You can’t make the whole windscreen black.
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Climate factors: In Florida, deeper tints (20–35%) block up to 99% of UV radiation and make the car much cooler. For cars that are driven every day, we usually recommend 35% because it cuts down on glare and heat a lot without making it too hard to see at night. Only use ultra-dark tint (6–15%) on the back windows or places where you don’t need to see well.
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Aesthetics vs. safety: Darker is excellent for warmth and privacy, but safety should come first. Lighter colours make it easier to see at night or when it’s raining. If you want a medium ground, the front windows should let in between 35% and 50% of the light.
How much tint should you end up with? Think about how you drive and what makes you feel safe. The Tint Team can help you choose the ideal VLT for your automobile and your way of life because they know a lot about them. Our ceramic and carbon films are very good and meet or exceed Florida’s guidelines and laws for keeping out UV and heat.
The Benefits of Good Window Tint
Tinting your windows does more than just make your automobile look great. Here are some of the most important benefits:
- Making it cooler: Good tints, especially those that are between 20 and 35%, can make the room a lot cooler. This helps your air conditioner work less hard and keeps you comfortable in the humid Florida heat. Most window coatings block 99% of UV radiation, which protects your skin and keeps the inside from getting yellow or peeling.
- Less Glare: Tinted windows block some of the glare from the sun and headlights, which makes driving safer and more comfortable.
- Safety and Privacy: Darker windows on the sides and back of the car make it harder for people to see inside and less likely that someone will steal your things.
- Shatter Resistance: A good tint coating makes glass less likely to break in an accident by adding an extra layer of protection.
If you choose the appropriate proportion and a professional installer, like The Tint Team, you can get the most out of these benefits legally. To make sure they work well and last a long time, we only use high-quality films that come with substantial warranties.
Where are the service areas, and how to get to them?
The Tint Team is located in the northeast portion of Pompano Beach, FL 33069, at 3204 N Powerline Rd. We are glad to help drivers in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties.
Here are some easy methods to travel to each of the areas we serve:
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Miami, FL:
Take I-95 N (North) toward Fort Lauderdale (about 25–30 miles). Exit at W. Sample Road (Exit 33) and continue east. Turn left on N Powerline Rd – our shop is on the right.
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North Miami Beach, FL:
Head north on I-95 toward Broward County. Exit at W. Sample Road (Exit 30), go east, then turn right on N Powerline Rd to reach us.
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Fort Lauderdale, FL:
Take I-95 N just a few miles to Atlantic Blvd (Exit 33). Head east on Atlantic, then turn left on N Powerline Rd.
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Oakland Park, FL:
Follow US-1/N Federal Hwy north to Atlantic Blvd East (FL-814), then turn right on N Powerline Rd.
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Lauderdale Lakes / Margate, FL:
Take Florida’s Turnpike or US-441 (State Rd 7) south into Pompano. Exit onto Atlantic Blvd East (or Sample Rd East), then left on N Powerline Rd.
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Coral Springs / Coconut Creek, FL:
Head south on US-441 or I-95. Use W. Sample Road East (Exit 34) or Atlantic Blvd East (Exit 33), then turn onto N Powerline Rd.
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Parkland, FL:
Take South on US-441 (State Rd 7) or FL-869 (Sawgrass Expwy) to W. Hillsboro Blvd/Sample Road East, then north on N Powerline Rd.
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Coconut Creek, FL:
Use I-95 or US-441 to get to Atlantic Blvd East, then south on N Powerline Rd.
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Miramar, FL:
Take I-75 East to I-95 North, then exit at W. Sample Road (Exit 34). Go east to Powerline Rd.
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Plantation, FL:
Take I-595 East to I-95 North, exit at Atlantic Blvd East (Exit 30), then left on N Powerline Rd.
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Pompano Beach, FL:
(Local) Go to N Powerline Rd near NE 24th St – our shop is at 3204 N Powerline Rd, on the east side of the road.
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Deerfield Beach, FL:
Head north on I-95 for a few miles, exit at W. Sample Road (Exit 34), east to Powerline Rd, then left.
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Hillsboro Beach, FL:
Take FL-A1A north to Hillsboro Blvd West, then north on N Powerline Rd.
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Lighthouse Point, FL:
Go south on US-1/Federal Hwy to E. Sample Road, then east to N Powerline Rd.
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Boca Raton, FL:
I-95 North about 15–20 miles, exit at E. Atlantic Blvd (Exit 37). Go east, then north on N Powerline Rd.
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Delray Beach, FL:
I-95 North, exit E. Atlantic Blvd / W. Atlantic Ave (Exit 51/52), east to N Powerline Rd.
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Boynton Beach, FL:
I-95 North to E. Hillsboro Blvd (Exit 52), go east, then left on N Powerline Rd.
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West Palm Beach / Palm Beach, FL:
Take I-95 South ~30–40 miles to E. Hillsboro Blvd (Exit 52), head west to N Powerline Rd and turn left.
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Jupiter, FL:
I-95 South ~40 miles into Broward; exit at E. Sample Road (Exit 34) and head east, then left on N Powerline Rd.
No matter where you are coming from, just go on I-95 and take Atlantic Blvd, Sample Road, or Hillsboro Blvd to Powerline Road. When you come to North Powerline Road, it’s easy to find our store at #3204. We are always here to help you with your tinting requirements in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami!
Questions that people often ask
Q: What is the deepest window tint that is legal in Florida?
A: Florida law says that the front side windows must let in at least 28% light, the darkest tint that is permissible on the front is 28%. The back windows of sedans can be at least 15% darker, and the back windows of SUVs can be at least 6% darker. Even though it isn’t legal, 35% VLT is a frequent dark choice for front windows.
Q: Can I put 20% tint on the front windows of my car?
A: No. According to Florida law, front windows must let in at least 28% of the light. That criterion would not allow a 20% tint (only 20% of the light goes through). The legislation specifies that sedans can have 15% tint on their back windows, although 20% is fine.
Q: What does it mean to have a window tint of 35%?
A: A 35% tint has a VLT of 35%, which means that 35% of visible light can get through the glass and film. It keeps out 65% of the light. With a “medium” tint of 35%, you can still see clearly, but you won’t experience as much heat and glare. People in Florida like it since it’s legal and comfortable.
Q: Is it okay to put a tint on the front window of my car?
A: In Florida, you can only tint the windscreen above the AS-1 line set by the manufacturer. This is the top of the window. There can’t be any tint on the windscreen below that line. Above the line, only a tint that doesn’t reflect light is okay.
Q: How can window tint keep Florida’s heat and UV rays out?
A: A decent tint blocks out a lot of heat and up to 99% of UV radiation. If you want your car to be cooler, you should get darker tinting (20–35%). This is helpful for both you and your car. All of our window films do a wonderful job of keeping UV rays out, which keeps the skin and the inside of the car safe from the sun.
Q: Do I need a doctor’s note to achieve a darker tint?
A: In Florida, persons who need medical help can get a tint that is darker than what the law allows. This needs a note from your doctor. Your car is the only thing that can use the exemption. You can have darker shades than usual and not get in trouble.
Q: What level of tint do you think is best for driving every day?
A: We recommend that most drivers in South Florida have 35% VLT on their front windows. It’s dark enough to keep your car cool and give you some privacy, but it’s still bright enough to satisfy the legal minimum of 28% and let you see clearly at night. Sedans normally have 15% VLT, while SUVs usually have 6% to 15% VLT. This keeps the heat out and gives you some space.
Q: What is the point of tinting windows in Florida?
A: Tinting is quite helpful in Florida because the sun and heat are so powerful. An automobile can get more than 40°F hotter than the outside when it isn’t tinted. Tint keeps you cool, protects your skin from UV rays, cuts down on glare, and keeps the inside of your automobile safe. For safety and comfort, it’s nearly a must-have here.
If you have legal questions about tint ratios or need help finding the optimum film to keep the heat out, The Tint Team in Pompano Beach can help. You can call us or come to our store at 3204 N Powerline Rd to see samples and have expert staff fit your car. If you have the correct window tint, you can drive cooler and safer in Florida.
