ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s a hot Florida morning and you’re tempted to start your car and run back inside “just for a second,” but here’s the deal:

It’s illegal to leave your car idling while unattended in Florida.

Under Florida Statute 316.1975, if your engine is running and no one’s inside, you’re breaking the law unless the engine is off, the parking brake is on, and the vehicle is secured.

• Cars left running are easy targets for thieves.

• It’s a traffic safety risk.

• You can get cited.

“If you’re not in the car, your keys shouldn’t be either,” I always say.

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Remote start? That’s OK. If you use a remote start system that keeps the car locked and secured, you’re fine, as long as the car can’t be driven without the key fob.

At the end of the day, if you’re asking me, I prefer not to give anyone the opportunity to take things that do not belong to them.

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