FL H0115

Prohibits parents, legal guardians, or other responsible persons from leaving children younger than 6 years of age unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle for more than 15 minutes

Prohibits leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle for any length of time if the engine is running, the child's health is in danger, or the child appears to be in distress

Violation of the 15-minute limit constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable under Florida Statutes sections 775.082 or 775.083

Violation when engine is running or child is in danger constitutes a noncriminal traffic infraction with fines between $50 and $500

Violation causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to a child constitutes a third-degree felony

Authorizes law enforcement officers to use reasonable means to remove children from vehicles and requires remanding removed children to the Department of Children and Families unless parents or guardians can be located

Effective date: October 1, 2018