When are AMBER Alerts issued?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is responsible for issuing AMBER Alerts in Florida. They have the following five criteria for activating an AMBER Alert. All five of the criteria must be met:
1. The child must be under 18 years of age.
2. There must be a clear indication of an abduction.
3. The law enforcement agency's investigation must conclude the child's life is in danger.
4. There must be a detailed description of child and/or abductor's vehicle to broadcast to the public (photo when available).
5. The activation must be recommended by the local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction.
Additionally, the FDLE guidelines specifically note that AMBER Alerts are NOT to be used for runaways.
AMBER Alerts are currently the only type of missing child alert that is automatically sent to mobile phones and devices.
LINK: For more information about AMBER Alerts and criteria
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children helps track all children reported as missing, whether they meet the AMBER Alert criteria or not.