What is the legal tint limit for Florida vehicles without an exemption?

Front side windows must allow at least 28% of light in, with 15% for the rear and back sides. The windshield can have non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line.

How do I qualify for a Florida medical window tint exemption?

You need documentation from a licensed physician stating your medical need. Qualifying conditions include polymorphous light eruption, photophobia, lupus, and similar disorders.

How long does the exemption last?

The exemption lasts as long as your physician recommends. There is no fixed renewal period unless your health situation changes.

What should I do if I am pulled over with medical window tint?

Show your signed exemption documentation to law enforcement. Keep it in your vehicle at all times to prevent fines.

How much does the consultation and exemption paperwork cost?

The one-time fee is $250. This covers your telemedicine evaluation with a licensed physician, and you get your money back if you do not qualify.

Can I get an exemption for conditions not listed?

Yes, if your symptoms cause significant light sensitivity or risk, a physician can determine if you qualify, even if your condition is rare or not listed.

Florida Medical Window Tint Exemption for Polymorphous Light Eruption

Florida drivers face some of the country’s harshest sunlight. For many, it’s a daily nuisance. For those with light sensitivity or conditions like polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), it can mean pain, skin reactions, and danger behind the wheel. Florida law sets strict rules on how dark your car windows can be, but medical exemptions give qualified drivers a way to stay safe and comfortable on the road. If you suffer from PMLE or similar photosensitivity, understanding your options can make a big difference in your daily life.

Polymorphous Light Eruption and Light Sensitivity

Polymorphous light eruption is a skin condition triggered by exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light. Symptoms include red, itchy rashes that appear minutes or hours after sun exposure. Severity varies. Some experience minor discomfort, others deal with painful, persistent eruptions that make even short car rides in Florida sun unbearable. Many people with PMLE also have photophobia (light sensitivity) that causes pain, migraines, and vision problems when exposed to bright sunlight.

If you deal with polymorphous light eruption or any form of photophobia, the glare and intensity of sunlight streaming through your car windows can trigger symptoms quickly. Special window tinting is one of the most effective ways to block excess light and protect your health.

Florida’s Window Tint Laws: The Basics

Front side windows: Minimum 28% visible light transmission (VLT)
Back side windows: Minimum 15% VLT
Rear window: Minimum 15% VLT
Windshield: Only non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line

VLT measures how much visible light passes through your window. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint. Most factory tints meet legal limits, but to get relief from PMLE or photophobia, many need window film far darker than Florida law typically allows. Violating these rules can lead to a $116 fine per violation. It adds up quickly, especially if you are stopped more than once.

Medical Exemption: How It Works in Florida

Florida is one of the states that allows a medical window tint exemption for drivers with specific health conditions. With this exemption, you can legally install darker-than-standard tint on your vehicle windows. The exemption covers the windows you need for medical reasons, based on your doctor’s recommendation.

To qualify, you need documentation from a licensed physician stating your medical need for special window tinting. The exemption lasts as long as your physician recommends, so there’s no fixed renewal period unless your medical situation changes. You must keep a copy of your exemption documentation in your vehicle at all times. If law enforcement stops you for a tint violation, show your paperwork to avoid a ticket.

Our remote telemedicine service makes the process simple. For $250, drivers connect with a licensed physician from anywhere in Florida. If approved, you receive official documentation for your window tint exemption. If you do not qualify, you get your money back. For more about the process, see how to book your exemption.

Who Qualifies for a Medical Window Tint Exemption?

Florida recognizes several conditions as valid reasons for a window tint exemption. Common examples include:

For a full list, see all qualifying conditions. Even if your condition is not listed, a physician can determine if your symptoms meet Florida’s standards for a medical exemption. Severe migraines, certain eye surgeries, and specific autoimmune diseases may also qualify.

Applying for the Exemption: Step-by-Step

Schedule your telemedicine evaluation.
Meet with a licensed Florida physician online to discuss your medical history, symptoms, and need for window tinting.
If approved, receive signed exemption documentation ready to show law enforcement or present at window tint shops.
Install window tint to the level recommended by your physician.
Keep your documentation in your vehicle at all times.

The consultation costs $250 and includes everything: your evaluation, the signed paperwork, and a money-back guarantee if you do not qualify. For questions about the process or what to expect, see our Frequently asked questions page.

Living with PMLE in Florida: Why Exemption Matters

Florida’s relentless sunlight means that those with PMLE or photophobia often have to make tough choices. Avoiding driving during the day is not always possible. Ordinary sunglasses and factory window tint rarely provide enough protection. Medical-grade tint can reduce sun exposure by up to 99 percent, depending on the film used. For many, this is the only way to keep working, caring for family, or living independently.

Some people try to get by without an exemption, risking tickets and fines, or struggle through symptoms that can be disabling. With a legal exemption, you can install the level of tint you truly need, with peace of mind if you are stopped by law enforcement. Our team has helped many Floridians with PMLE, lupus, albinism, and other sunlight-triggered conditions get the protection they need.

Practical Tips for Safe and Comfortable Travel

Schedule your window tint installation with a shop familiar with medical exemptions to avoid issues.
Keep your signed exemption paperwork in your glove compartment or sun visor.
If stopped, calmly explain your exemption and present your documentation right away.
Ask your installer for a receipt or note referencing your exemption in case you need to prove the tint was installed for medical reasons.
Tell friends or family who may drive your car about the exemption and where you keep the paperwork.

If you have questions about your particular diagnosis, whether it is polymorphous light eruption, photophobia, or another condition, our consultation and evaluation service can help you understand your options and next steps.

More Resources and Support

For more on the conditions that qualify, see all qualifying conditions. If you are seeking details about migraines, check our page on the migraines exemption. If you want to learn about our experience and mission, visit About Coastal Tint Exemption. For recent updates, stories, and tips from other drivers, browse our blog.

Living with PMLE or light sensitivity in Florida does not have to mean daily discomfort or risk. The state’s medical window tint exemption makes it possible to drive safely, legally, and comfortably, no matter the weather or season.

Polymorphous Light Eruption and Light Sensitivity on Florida Roads