Car Lockout in Tampa, FL

Where Tampa cars get locked out

Tampa drivers park on metered streets and in city garages, and where you are decides what a car lockout request needs to say. The city's garages include Fort Brooke, Poe, Whiting, Twiggs, Palm Avenue and Centro Ybor; give the garage name and the level. On a street, give the block and the nearest cross street. In Westshore, home to two major malls and Tampa International Airport, name the lot or entrance and a nearby landmark.

The one-day parking limit

Tampa Code Sec. 15-41 makes it unlawful to leave a vehicle longer than a day on a city-owned or city-run lot, garage, public street or other property that uses meters, pay stations or gates for revenue control, unless the Parking Division agreed to it in advance. If the car was parked for a while before the lockout, say how long; a pay-station receipt or garage ticket may show when the car was parked. This is general information, not legal advice.

Heat and safety

Cabin heat builds in a closed car, and a Florida summer makes it worse. Never leave a child or a pet in a closed vehicle. If one is inside a locked car, call 911 right away. If you are waiting outside, find shade and carry water.

What to send

1. The exact spot: garage and level, street and cross street, or lot name.
2. Year, make, model and color of the car, and whether the keys are inside or lost.
3. Whether a child, a pet or someone in medical need is inside.
4. Photo ID and the vehicle registration, which help show the car is yours.

If the keys are lost rather than locked inside, see car key replacement. Florida Locksmith Pros takes service requests from homes, businesses and drivers in Tampa. Local rules and garages are also on the Tampa page.