For Florida drivers with medical conditions that require darker window tint, having a legal exemption is a valuable form of protection. But once you’ve gone through the process of receiving your physician-signed exemption and submitted your HSMV 83390 form to the DMV, you might be left wondering—how long does that exemption last? Do you need to renew it every year?
The answer depends on the medical condition being treated, the physician’s recommendation, and how your exemption was filed with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). In this blog, we’ll explore how Florida handles medical tint exemption renewals, what’s expected of drivers, and how services like ForeverTint help keep your exemption active and compliant.
How Florida medical tint exemptions are issued
Florida’s medical window tint exemption process requires a physician’s statement that a person needs additional sun protection due to a qualifying medical condition. This statement is submitted using Form HSMV 83390, and must include:
- The applicant’s full name and vehicle information
- A clearly defined medical need for increased window tinting
- A physician’s signed recommendation
- The physician’s contact information and license number
- The duration of the exemption (temporary or permanent)
This last detail—the duration—is what determines whether your tint exemption needs to be renewed annually or not.
Temporary vs. permanent exemptions
Florida allows both temporary and permanent medical exemptions for window tinting. The determination is made by your physician and based on the nature of your medical condition.
Permanent Exemptions:
If your physician determines that your condition is ongoing and unlikely to improve, they may indicate that the exemption is permanent. This is often the case for conditions like lupus, albinism, or other lifelong disorders that make sun exposure consistently harmful.
Temporary Exemptions:
For some conditions—such as post-surgery recovery, short-term medication effects, or seasonal conditions—a doctor may issue the exemption with a fixed expiration date. In these cases, the certificate will note how long the exemption is valid, and it will need to be renewed accordingly.
If your exemption certificate has a clearly stated expiration date, you are expected to renew it before it expires to remain compliant with Florida law.
How to tell if your exemption needs renewal
Look at your signed HSMV 83390 form. If it does not list an expiration date or states that your exemption is permanent, you do not need to renew it each year. However, if a date is listed (for example, “Valid for 12 months from issuance”), your exemption will expire at the end of that period unless renewed by your physician.
Law enforcement or vehicle inspectors may check for expiration dates during a traffic stop or routine vehicle inspection. If the document is expired, it may no longer be considered valid, even if your condition still qualifies for darker tint.
To avoid legal trouble or fines, it’s crucial to keep track of your exemption’s expiration date and begin the renewal process at least a few weeks in advance.
What happens if your exemption expires?
Driving with darker-than-legal window tint without a valid, unexpired exemption certificate can result in:
- A traffic stop and citation
- A fine, typically $100–$150
- Possible requirement to remove your tint or have your vehicle reinspected
- Insurance or registration complications if a citation is reported
An expired exemption is treated the same as no exemption at all in the eyes of Florida law enforcement. You will need to obtain a new signed HSMV 83390 form from a licensed physician to bring your exemption back into compliance.
How to renew your Florida medical tint exemption
If you need to renew your exemption, the process is nearly identical to your original application:
- Consult with a licensed physician who can evaluate your condition and determine whether your medical need for darker tint still exists.
- Have the physician fill out and sign a new HSMV 83390 form with updated information and an appropriate duration.
- Submit the completed form to the Florida DMV and keep a copy in your vehicle at all times.
This may sound like a hassle, but using a streamlined service like ForeverTint can simplify everything.
ForeverTint makes renewal simple
At ForeverTint, we help Florida residents renew their medical tint exemptions with minimal effort. Whether you’re applying for the first time or need to renew your certificate, we offer:
- Online consultations with licensed physicians
- Guidance on whether your condition qualifies for a renewal
- Updated completion of your HSMV 83390 form
- Mailed physical documents with instructions on submission
There’s no need for in-person appointments or visits to your local DMV—we make it easy to manage the process from home.
If you’re unsure whether your current exemption is still valid or if it needs to be renewed, our team can review your situation and help you stay legally protected.
Why renewals matter for your safety and legal protection
Many people with medical exemptions rely on the darker window tint to protect themselves from harsh UV rays, heat, and visible light. But while the benefits of tint are long-lasting, your legal ability to keep it on your car depends entirely on your documentation.
If you allow your exemption to lapse, your previously legal tint becomes a violation under Florida law. That means more than just a ticket—it could also impact your registration, insurance, and ability to pass a vehicle inspection.
That’s why it’s critical to monitor your exemption’s status and renew it promptly if needed.
How to check your current status
If you’re unsure whether your current exemption is still valid, take a moment to:
- Locate your HSMV 83390 certificate
- Look for any expiration date listed on the form
- Verify that your personal and vehicle information is still current
- Check if your medical condition has changed or been resolved
If your certificate is expired, missing, or out-of-date, it’s best to begin the renewal process as soon as possible.
ForeverTint can walk you through this step-by-step—even if we didn’t issue your original exemption.
Ready To Get Your Legal Tint Exemption?
Don’t wait until you’re pulled over or fail a vehicle inspection. Stay protected with a current, valid Florida medical window tint exemption.
Renew or apply for your tint exemption now through ForeverTint and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re fully compliant with Florida law.
