If you drive in Port Charlotte or anywhere in Charlotte County, window tinting is practically essential — the sun here is relentless, and anyone who has gripped a scorching steering wheel after parking at the Town Center Mall or the Walmart on Tamiami Trail knows exactly what we are talking about. But before you tint your car, truck, or SUV, you need to understand Florida’s window tinting laws so you do not end up with an expensive fix-it ticket from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.

At SunGuard Window Tinting, we have been installing legal, high-quality automotive tint in the Port Charlotte area since 1980. We know Florida’s tint laws inside and out, and we make sure every vehicle that leaves our shop is fully compliant. Here is everything Port Charlotte drivers need to know about the current regulations.

Florida Window Tint Laws: The Basics

Florida Statute 316.2953 governs window tinting on motor vehicles in the state. The law uses a measurement called Visible Light Transmission (VLT) — the percentage of visible light that passes through your window film and glass combined. A higher VLT percentage means more light passes through (lighter tint), while a lower VLT means less light passes through (darker tint).

Florida has different rules for sedans and SUVs/vans, which is one of the most common sources of confusion. The law also distinguishes between different windows on the vehicle — your front windshield, front side windows, rear side windows, and back window each have their own requirements.

One important thing to know: Florida’s tint laws have not changed significantly in years, but enforcement varies. Charlotte County deputies and Florida Highway Patrol troopers along I-75 and US-41 do check tint levels, especially during traffic stops. A tint meter reading that shows you are below the legal limit means a citation — and potentially having to remove the film entirely.

For the complete legal reference, visit our detailed Florida window tint laws page which covers every detail of the statute.

Legal Tint Percentages for Each Window

Here is the breakdown of what is legal in Florida as of 2026:

Sedans (Cars)

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top of the windshield above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line (typically the top 4-5 inches). No tint below that line.
• Front side windows: Must allow more than 28% VLT. This is the most restrictive requirement for sedans.
• Rear side windows: Must allow more than 15% VLT. You can go significantly darker than the fronts.
• Rear window: Must allow more than 15% VLT.

SUVs, Trucks, and Vans

• Windshield: Same as sedans — non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line only.
• Front side windows: Must allow more than 28% VLT — same as sedans.
• Rear side windows: Must allow more than 6% VLT. This is extremely permissive — you can go very dark.
• Rear window: Must allow more than 6% VLT.

The big difference is in the rear windows. SUV and truck owners in Port Charlotte have much more freedom to go dark on the back half of their vehicle. That is why you see so many trucks cruising down US-41 and Murdock Circle with very dark rear tint — as long as the fronts stay at 28% or above, they are legal.

Reflectivity Rules

Florida also regulates how reflective your tint can be. Front and rear side windows must not be more than 25% reflective. Highly mirrored tints that were popular in the 1990s generally do not meet this standard. The modern ceramic and carbon films we install at SunGuard have low reflectivity and easily comply with this requirement.

Medical Exemptions for Darker Tint in Florida

Florida law does allow medical exemptions for drivers who need darker-than-legal tint due to a medical condition. Conditions like lupus, photosensitivity, melanoma history, and certain eye conditions may qualify you for an exemption from the standard VLT limits on your front side windows.

To get a medical exemption, you need:

1. A signed letter or certificate from a licensed Florida physician (MD or DO) stating that darker tint is medically necessary
2. The letter must specify the medical condition and the recommended VLT level
3. You must keep the original document in the vehicle at all times
4. The exemption applies to the patient only — not to other drivers of the same vehicle

We have several clients in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda who drive with medical exemptions. If you think you may qualify, talk to your doctor first, then bring the documentation to us and we will install the appropriate film level for your needs.

What Happens If Your Tint Is Too Dark?

Getting caught with illegal tint in Charlotte County is not the end of the world, but it is a hassle and an expense you can avoid entirely by getting it done right the first time:

• First offense: A fix-it ticket (noncriminal traffic infraction) with a fine typically around $116. You have 30 days to either remove the tint or bring it into compliance and show proof to the court.
• Repeat offenses: Fines increase, and judges may be less lenient about granting extensions.
• Removal costs: Having illegal tint professionally removed and replaced with legal film typically costs $150-$300+ depending on the vehicle. That is money wasted on the illegal tint plus the cost of doing it right.

We see it regularly — someone gets their car tinted out of state, at a discount shop, or by a friend with a roll of limo tint, and a few weeks later they are sitting in our shop having it removed after getting pulled over on I-75 or at a checkpoint. Do it right the first time with a professional shop that knows the law.

How Port Charlotte Drivers Choose the Right Tint

The most popular legal setup we install for Port Charlotte drivers is:

• Front side windows: 30% VLT ceramic film — this gives you a slight safety margin above the 28% legal minimum while still providing excellent heat rejection and a clean look.
• Rear side windows and back glass: 15-20% VLT for sedans, or 5-15% for SUVs and trucks, depending on personal preference. Going darker on the back provides privacy for valuables and dramatically reduces heat in the cargo area.
• Windshield strip: A ceramic tint strip across the top of the windshield reduces sun glare, which is especially helpful during the afternoon commute on US-41 when the sun sits right at eye level.

We always recommend ceramic film for the front windows because it provides the best heat rejection at the legal VLT limits. With a 30% VLT ceramic film on your front windows, you get nearly the same heat rejection as a much darker conventional film — you stay cool without going illegal. Check out our our gallery to see examples of legal tint jobs on vehicles like yours.

Whether you drive a work truck down Burnt Store Road every morning or commute to Fort Myers on I-75, the right automotive window tinting setup keeps you cool, protects your interior, and keeps you legal.

Get Legal, Professional Tinting at SunGuard

SunGuard Window Tinting has been serving Port Charlotte drivers since 1980. We use premium films from 3M, XPEL, and SunTek — brands that offer lifetime warranties and consistent, reliable performance in Florida’s extreme conditions. Every vehicle we tint leaves our shop within Florida’s legal limits, and we use calibrated tint meters to verify VLT before the car goes out the door.

If you are looking for window tinting in Port Charlotte, come see why over 100,000 vehicles have trusted SunGuard for their tint. We will walk you through the options, help you choose the right shade and film type for your vehicle, and make sure everything is 100% legal and backed by a manufacturer warranty.

Ready to tint your vehicle the right way? Contact us for a free quote. Call (941) 625-9666 or stop by 24690 Sandhill Blvd, Unit 604, Punta Gorda, FL 33983. SunGuard Window Tinting — legal, professional tinting since 1980.