You should not leave a child unattended in a motor vehicle for any length of time. If children are trapped inside cars—especially in hot weather—they can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke in a matter of minutes, leading to permanent disability or death. Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, can cause shock, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and heart attack, as well as brain, liver, and kidney damage. Leaving a child unattended in a car is also a form of neglectful supervision that is investigated by Child Protective Services.
In Florida, leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle is addressed under Florida Statute 316.6135. This law prohibits leaving a child under the age of 6 unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle for a period in excess of 15 minutes or for any period of time if the motor vehicle is running or the health of the child is in danger. Violation of this statute is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to fines and other penalties. Additionally, if the child suffers significant bodily harm, disability, or disfigurement as a result of being left in the vehicle, the responsible party could face more severe charges, such as felony child neglect. Child Protective Services may also investigate instances of a child being left unattended in a vehicle as potential child neglect or abuse.