High Temperatures a Danger to Children
Be on Alert for Any Child or Vulnerable Adult Left Unattended in a Vehicle

SUNCOAST REGION – As temperatures here in Southwest Florida are heading
toward triple digits, the Florida Department of Children and Families
reminds parents and caregivers that it is never OK to leave young children
or vulnerable adults unattended in hot cars.


Each year, our agency investigates incidents where children and vulnerable
adults have been left unattended in vehicles during sweltering summer days.
Every year, there is a preventable tragedy. Most recently, the Department
is investigating two child deaths in the Jacksonville area within the past
two weeks that occurred because children were left in hot cars unattended.


In Lee County, we are currently investigating a case where three young
children were left alone in a car for at least 10 minutes. The children
were not harmed, but all parents need to know that it is just too hot to
leave children unattended in the car for any amount of time. The
temperature inside cars, even with the windows slightly open, can quickly
reach as high as 140 degrees.


In the past decade, at least three children in Southwest Florida have died
as a result of being left in a hot car. Across the country, more than 200
children have died in hot cars during that time period.


In the State of Florida, it is illegal to leave a child under the age of 6
unattended or unsupervised in a vehicle for more than 15 minutes.


Anyone who sees a young child or vulnerable adult left unattended in a
vehicle during these extreme summer temperatures should contact emergency
personnel immediately. It could very well save a life.





Attached: Florida State Statute 316.6135


Florida State Statute:


316.6135 Leaving children unattended or unsupervised in motor vehicles;
penalty; authority of law enforcement officer.


(1) A parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child
younger than 6 years of age may not leave such child unattended or
unsupervised in a motor vehicle:


(a) For a period in excess of 15 minutes;


(b) For any period of time if the motor of the vehicle is running or the
health of the child is in danger.


(2) Any person who violates the provisions of paragraph (1)(a) commits a
misdemeanor of the second degree punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.
775.083.


(3) Any person who violates the provisions of paragraph (1)(b) is guilty
of a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable by a fine not less than $50
and not more than $500.


(4) Any person who violates subsection (1) and in so doing causes great
bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to a child
commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082,
s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.


(5) Any law enforcement officer who observes a child left unattended or
unsupervised in a motor vehicle in violation of subsection (1) may use
whatever means are reasonably necessary to protect the minor child and to
remove the child from the vehicle.


(6) If the child is removed from the immediate area, notification should
be placed on the vehicle.


(7) The child shall be remanded to the custody of the Department of
Children and Family Services pursuant to chapter 39, unless the law
enforcement officer is able to locate the parents or legal guardian or
other person responsible for the child.


Erin Gillespie
Public Information Officer
Department of Children and Families