Hey there! We’re Sol Control Custom, your local one-stop shop for window tinting, car audio, upholstery, and more right here in New Port Richey. With 28+ years of experience, we love helping you stay cool, protected, and stylish while keeping things legal under Florida’s tint rules.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Florida’s window tint laws what’s allowed what’s not, why it matters, and how we make it simple for you. Let’s dive in!
What Are Florida’s Tint Basics?
Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
This is how much light passes through your tint. Lower VLT = darker tint. Too dark, and you could be breaking the law!
- Front side windows (driver & passenger): Must allow at least 28% light (VLT ≥ 28%) same for all vehicles.
- Back side and rear windows (sedans): Minimum 15% VLT.
- Back side and rear windows (SUVs/vans/multi-purpose): Minimum 6% VLT so they can legally be darker.
Windshield Tinting Rules
You cannot tint the entire windshield. Tint is allowed only above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line usually a strip about five inches from the top. Plus, only non-reflective tint is allowed there.
Reflectivity Limits
Reflective tints can look cool and reduce glare but Florida limits how reflective they can be:
- Front side windows: No more than 25% reflectivity.
- Rear/back windows: No more than 35% reflectivity.
Why These Rules Matter
Florida’s laws aim to protect safety, visibility, and driver comfort
- Safety concerns: Too dark or too reflective tints make it tough to see at night and hinder police visibility.
- Regulation clarifies enforcement: Using compliant tint means fewer traffic stops, fewer fines, and no court visits.
- Look cool, stay legal: With Florida’s bright sunshine, the right tint keeps interiors cool and protects fabrics and electronics without risking a ticket.
If you go darker than allowed: expect a non-moving violation, a ticket, and likely a court date.
Special Rules and Exemptions
Medical Exemptions
If you have certain medical needs (like photosensitivity), Florida allows darker tinting with a doctor’s note or medical certificate. This must be registered and specific to your vehicle.
Mandatory Stickers & Mirrors
- Tinted vehicles must show a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb proving compliance.
- If your rear windows are tinted, you must have dual side mirrors.
Tint Colors
Colored tints like red, blue, or amber are not permitted Florida only allows neutral shades.
How Sol Control Custom Makes It Easy
At Sol Control Custom, we know this sounds like a lot but we’ve got your back. Here’s how we help:
1) Super-Clear Guidance
We break it down in plain language, exactly like this guide, so you know what’s legal for your car, SUV, or van here in New Port Richey.
2) Top-Quality Films
We’re authorized dealers for Solar Gard, Bekaert, and Armorcoat for automotive, residential, and commercial tint. That means top-notch UV blocking, heat rejection, and style with legal compliance.
3) 28 Years of Trust
We’ve served Pasco County for nearly three decades. Our certified team handles auto, marine, RV, and building tinting. We’re local, family-owned, and here to keep your ride or building cool and secure.
4) All-in-One Service
We offer automotive tinting, home or office window film, custom car audio, upholstery, paint, and more. A one-stop solution done right the first time.
5) Peace of Mind
Our installs are precise, our team is friendly, and we honor warranties. We ensure your tint not only looks good but stays within Florida law.
Quick Summary: Tint Rules at a Glance
- Front side windows: VLT ≥ 28%, reflectivity ≤ 25%
- Back/rear (sedans): VLT ≥ 15%, reflectivity ≤ 35%
- Back/rear (SUVs/vans): VLT ≥ 6%, reflectivity ≤ 35%
- Windshield: Tint only above AS-1 line; non-reflective
- No colored film: Only neutral shades allowed
- Requirements: Dual mirrors, compliance sticker
- Medical needs? Get a legal exemption with paperwork
- Consequences: Non-moving violation → ticket/fine
Why Tint with Sol Control Custom?
Here’s why drivers in New Port Richey come to us:
- Trust in our experience and customer-focused care
- Quality window films that follow Florida law
- Expert installation that looks badass and protects your skin and gear
- One shop for tint, audio, upholstery, and more easy, convenient, and reliable.
Final Word
Florida’s window tint laws are all about balance giving you privacy, UV protection, and style, while keeping roads safe and avoiding fines. That reflectivity and VLT limits can feel like a headache, but with Sol Control Custom, it’s smooth and stress-free.
Need help choosing the perfect, legal tint for your vehicle or home or business? Call us at (727) 843-8807 or stop by our shop in New Port Richey. We’re local, we know the rules, and we’ll make sure your tint checks every box plus looks great.
Let’s keep you cool, protected, and perfectly legal on every drive. Your friends at Sol Control Custom.
