Florida Good Samaritan Law

Posted on: August 9, 2017

Here’s what you can do if you see a child or dog locked in a hot car.

Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a bill into law in 2016 granting civil immunity to persons that intervene, and take what steps are needed to rescue a dog or person from a hot car. As part of the law:

1. First try to find the owner of the vehicle.

2. Get a witness that will corroborate your story

3. Try to open the door.

4. Call 911.

If these steps are unsuccessful and the animal or person exhibits signs of overheating, a person can break into the car by force, and be protected from prosecution by the new law, Florida Statutes, F.S. 768.139. 

After just one hour, in Florida, temperatures can reach easily 106 degrees or more. This can cause organ failure and death in animals and children.