Sexual Predators and Offenders

In June of 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed legislation that significantly alter Florida's Sexual Offender and Predator Registration Laws.  All registrants are still required to follow the complete list of requirements outlined in F.S. 775.21 and F.S. 943.0435, as appropriate.

Beginning July 1, 2007

A sexual predator or offender subject to registration, including a juvenile sexual offender adjudicated delinquent, must report in person to the sheriff's office in the county in which he/she resides or is otherwise located to Reregister.  Additionally, re-registration requirements apply to both sexual predators and sexual offenders who have been releases from sanctions for their qualifying sex offense, as well as those currently under some form of supervision with the Department if Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, or those under federal supervision.

See the FDLE website, for current details on the restrictions and conditions for sexual offenders and predators.

Currently: The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Sexual Predator/Offender Tracking  Unit (S.P.O.T.) tracks sexual predators and offender in Pinellas County. This unit also registers sex offenders as needed.

A sexual predator is a person who was convicted of a serious sexual crime against a minor (under 18 years of age) or an adult, AND who was declared to be a "sexual predator" by the court AND has previously been convicted of certain enumerated felony sex offenses within 10 years. Because these sexual predators are no longer incarcerated, the law, FSS 775.21, requires they initially register with either the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) or with the local Sheriff's Office.

A person classified as a sexual predator is so classified for life, unless his/her civil rights were restored, OR conviction was overturned, OR received a full pardon.

A sexual offender is a person who has been convicted of certain enumerated sex offenses AND was released from sanctions imposed for the sex offense on or after October 1, 1997 OR has been required to register or be subject to community or public notification in any other state as a sex offender.

What Legal Restriction are Sexual Predators and Offenders Required to Meet?

Each predator/offender is required to have either a driver's license or a state identification card. After the initial registration, if the predator moves to another address, he/she must have the driver's license or identification card officially changed within 48 hours. Failure to do so is a third degree felony.

Many predators/offenders are under court-ordered supervision (ex. - probation or community control), and are required to meet certain written conditions. A violation of a condition could result in an arrest, and a conviction could send him/her to prison.  Depending on the facts of the case, some predators/offenders may be required to avoid contact with children, unless the contact is supervised and appropriate.

Some predators/offenders have completed their sentences and are no longer under such control. However, they must abide by the registration and address change provisions, or else face felony charges.

No. To become classified as a sexual predator, one could have been convicted of any number of crimes. Some crimes involve physical violence and some do not. However, all are deemed by the courts, based on previous behaviors, to represent a potential threat to certain persons (Ex. those under 18 years of age).

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is responsible for notifying the local sheriff of the county and police chief of the municipality of a sexual predator residing in their community.

Within 48 hours of receipt of this notification, the sheriff or police chief must notify all licensed day care centers, elementary schools, and middle schools (public or private) within a one mile radius of the residence of the sexual predator.

There is no specific manner to notify the community, and notification may be done in any manner deemed appropriate by the notifying agency.

Please be aware that predators and offenders move often. You are only notified if one moves into your neighborhood, not when one moves out.

The law, FSS 775.21(7) and FSS 943.0435, provides specific guidelines to law enforcement officers regarding what information may be released to the public. 

However, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a web site that includes a listing of all state-classified predators and offenders:

FDLE also has a toll free telephone number, 1-888-FL-PREDATOR (1-888-357-7332), 24 hours a day, for those without Internet access.

You may search the sexual offender database by zip code, city, address or county.