It only takes minutes. A quick stop at the store, a phone call, or a sudden change in routine can turn deadly. Florida’s relentless heat is not just uncomfortable, it is dangerous. With temperatures soaring year-round, the state faces a growing crisis: hot car deaths in Florida.
Leaving children or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a short time, can lead to vehicular heatstroke. In a matter of minutes, the inside of a car becomes a death trap, even when outside temperatures seem mild.
Florida leaders, including the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), and the Department of Children and Families (DCF), are working tirelessly to raise Florida hot car awareness, especially following the heartbreaking loss of 10-month-old Ariya Paige, whose tragic death in 2023 inspired Ariya’s Act, signed into law in April 2024.
At Panter, Panter & Sampedro, we are committed to protecting the well-being of everyone in our community, and we believe that awareness, prevention, and compassion can save lives.
The Alarming Statistics: Hot Car Deaths in Florida
According to the National Safety Council, 39 children in the U.S. died in hot cars in 2024 alone, the highest number since 2019. Many of these deaths occurred in Florida. Each one was preventable.
Most victims are children. Their bodies overheat three to five times faster than adults. Their ability to escape or signal distress is limited. And when caregivers forget or misjudge the time, the consequences can be irreversible.
Notably, these tragedies are not acts of negligence. They are often the result of Forgotten Child Syndrome, a well-documented phenomenon that happens when parents, grandparents, and caregivers with changing routines or busy schedules may lose track in a split second.
How Quickly Does a Car Heat Up? A Deadly Timeline
If you think leaving the window cracked or parking in the shade makes a difference, think again. Research published in the journal Temperature reveals that a car’s interior can hit 116°F in just one hour on a sunny day. Even in the shade, it can climb to 100°F in two hours.
Surfaces like dashboards and seats often spike much higher. Dashboards can reach 157°F, steering wheels 127°F, and seats 123°F—hot enough to burn the skin of a child or pet. These dangerous temperatures develop faster in smaller vehicles, particularly economy cars.
Worse yet, a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s. Once a child’s body reaches 104°F, they are at serious risk of organ failure, brain damage, or death. Within minutes, a forgotten errand turns into a life-threatening emergency.
Did you know the temp. of a parked car can rise 20 degrees in 10 min.? April is Hot Car Death Prevention Month. In Florida, it’s a crime to leave a child unattended in a car. Always check the back seat before you leave your vehicle. Heat can be deadly even with windows cracked. pic.twitter.com/Q27OkALHci
— Florida Department of Revenue (@FloridaRevenue) April 16, 2025
Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions
There are dangerous myths that persist about pet heatstroke in cars and leaving children in parked vehicles. Let us set the record straight.
Myth: Cracking the windows keeps the car cool.
Fact: Windows have little to no effect. Air circulation does not stop temperatures from skyrocketing.
Myth: It is safe if you are “just running inside for a minute.”
Fact: That minute can be enough for temperatures to spike and a child’s body to begin overheating.
Myth: These incidents only happen in summer.
Fact: In Florida, it can feel like summer all year long. Hot car deaths in Florida can happen any day with sunlight and humidity.
Relying on these myths puts lives at risk. It is better to be cautious than to gamble with a child’s or pet’s safety.
What to Know and How to Remember: Safety Tips
Preventing vehicular heatstroke starts with simple, consistent habits. Here are the most effective hot car safety tips:
- Look Before You Lock. Always check the back seat before leaving your vehicle.
- Place essentials in the back. Keep your phone, purse, or wallet back there. If you need it, you will check before walking away.
- Confirm drop-offs. When someone else drives your child or pet, make sure the handoff happens as expected.
- Talk to caregivers. Babysitters, family members, and daycares should be aware of the risks.
- Call 911 if you see someone in danger. Never assume someone else will act. Every second counts.
Keeping Florida Families Safe For Over 30 Years
The numbers are grim, but the truth is clear: hot car deaths in Florida are entirely preventable. It takes only a moment to check your back seat, and that moment could save a life.
At Panter, Panter & Sampedro, we have spent over three decades protecting Florida’s families. We work every day to promote safety, education, and advocacy for the most vulnerable in our community.
We urge you to stay alert, use reminders, and never leave a child or pet in a parked car. Together, we can spread Florida hot car awareness and prevent the next tragedy.
Let our family help you and your family.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to negligence, our team at Panter, Panter & Sampedro is here to help. We understand the emotional toll and legal complexities of vehicular heatstroke and similar tragedies.
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing families in personal injury and wrongful death cases. We approach every case with compassion, professionalism, and determination. Your family deserves justice, and we are ready to fight for it.
To learn more, visit our Miami personal injury lawyers page and schedule a free consultation today.
Sources:
https://www.flhsmv.gov/2025/04/10/state-leaders-raise-awareness-about-the-dangers-of-hot-cars/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23328940.2018.1468205#d1e706
https://time.com/5291550/cars-dangerous-temperatures/
https://www.livescience.com/62651-how-hot-cars-get.html
https://resqme.com/hot-car-awareness-and-tips/
https://safeconvertiblecarseats.com/blog/why-hot-cars-can-be-deadly-for-kids/
https://lifelanes.progressive.com/hot-car-safety-tips/
https://memorialhermann.org/es-mx/services/specialties/trauma/patients-visitors/safety-tips/hot-car-safety
https://www.livescience.com/62651-how-hot-cars-get.html
