Every summer, it happens again. And July is the worst.
You’re stressed. Distracted. You run into the store “just for a second.” You forget the baby’s in the back seat.
By the time you return, your car has turned into an oven—and the damage is irreversible.
What began as an innocent oversight now has a name: Neglect. Or worse—Manslaughter. And in Florida, you don’t get a second chance.
The Deadliest Month for Hot Car Deaths: July
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a horrifying truth:
More children die in hot cars during July than any other month.
- 234 deaths in July
- 229 in August
- 202 in June
- (Source: NHTSA, 1998–2024)
That’s why agencies like the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office are begging parents to take notice. And prosecutors across Florida are ramping up charges.
This is no longer seen as a mistake. It’s treated as a crime.
What Happens If You Leave a Child in a Hot Car in Florida?
Whether the child is harmed or not, the criminal justice system doesn’t wait.
- Unattended Child in Motor Vehicle – § 316.6135, Fla. Stat.
- Illegal to leave a child under 6 in a car for more than 15 minutes—or any time if the engine is running or the child is in distress
- Penalty:
- Second-degree misdemeanor: Up to 60 days in jail
- Third-degree felony: If the child is injured
- Penalty:
- Child Neglect – § 827.03, Fla. Stat.
- Applies when a caregiver fails to provide care or supervision and puts a child at risk
- Penalty:
- Third-degree felony if no harm occurred
- Second-degree felony if significant bodily harm occurred
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Penalty:
- Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child – § 782.07(3), Fla. Stat.
- If the child dies, even unintentionally
- Penalty:
- First-degree felony
- Up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- You could also face:
- DCF investigations
- Loss of custody
- Lifetime sex offender registration (in rare cases involving child endangerment)
- Media scrutiny and public shaming
“I Forgot” Is Not a Legal Defense
You’re not a bad parent. You were tired. You were in a rush. You thought your spouse had the baby. It’s happened to doctors, lawyers, teachers, even police officers. But in the eyes of the law, intent doesn’t matter—only the result does. Once law enforcement arrives, your parenting record becomes a criminal record.
Florida Law Does Protect Good Samaritans
If you see a child left in a vehicle in dangerous heat, Florida law allows you to break into the car to rescue them.
To be protected:
- You must reasonably believe the child is in danger
- You must call 911 immediately
- You must use only the amount of force necessary
Arrested or Investigated? Here’s What to Do.
These cases are emotionally explosive, media-sensitive, and prosecuted aggressively.
DO NOT talk to law enforcement without an attorney.
DO NOT post about the incident on social media.
DO NOT assume it will “go away” if the child is okay.
Your first move should be to call Carlson Meissner Hayslett.
We’re one of the most experienced criminal defense teams in Florida, and we’ve handled everything from child neglect to aggravated manslaughter cases across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties.
We know the stakes. And we fight to win.
Contact Us Now
If you or someone you love is being investigated or charged for leaving a child in a vehicle, time is critical. Call 1-800-Law-5655 Visit us at our offices in Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, or Spring Hill.
Free consultations. 24/7 availability. Confidential advice.
