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Florida Sex Offender Records

What is a Sex Offender?

The term “sex offender” refers to any individual convicted of a sexual crime in a court of law. Regardless of the varying definition of sexual violations across the different states in the United States, “sex offender” is a generally accepted term that addresses a person guilty of any sex-related offense. Nevertheless, whosoever is convicted for a sex crime in a particular jurisdiction where the court proceeding took place is a sex offender in that district and possibly in other parts of the country as well.

The State of Florida recognizes sex offenses and has laws regarding such matters and penalties for persons who violate the rules. The judicial authorities of the state are the legal entities who adjudicate these types of crimes and issue out sentences based on the state’s statutes.

Who is Considered a Sex Offender in Florida?

Florida Statutes contain provisions that may make individuals qualify as sex offenders. Therefore, anyone who violates the state’s penal code for sexual activities automatically becomes a sex offender in Florida. According to state statutes, some examples of sex crimes in Florida include; sexual misconduct, unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, lewd or lascivious offense with a minor, video voyeurism of a child, sodomy, sexual battery, and child pornography.

What are the Different Types of Sex Offenses in Florida?

Sex offenses in Florida are illegal sexual acts or behaviors which violate one or more of the provisions of the state’s statutes. To ensure the proper disbursement of justice in each case of violation, each sexual offense is classified separately, and the penalties vary accordingly. Some trespasses recognized as illegal sexual acts or behaviors in Florida include;

Sexual Misconduct With A Person Under the Care of the Agency for Persons With Developmental Disabilities (F.S. 393.135)

Any employee, volunteer, intern, or any party providing care to a client on behalf of the agency commits a sex offense if the entity engages in any sexual activity with a client under supervision, regardless of the client’s consent. Such an offense is a felony of the second degree, punishable by 15 years in prison, 15 years probation, and a $10,000 fine. The penalty is in addition to any other civil, administrative, or criminal activity which the court may apply against such an offender.

Sexual Misconduct With a Patient of a Mental Health Facility (F.S. 394.4593)

Anybody working with a mental health facility or providing any form of care on behalf of the facility is guilty of a sex crime if the party involves themselves sexually with a client assigned to the care of the mental health center, whether the victim is aware or not. This sexual offense is a felony of the second degree, which attracts punishments of up to 15 years in prison, 15 years probation, and a $10,000 fine. The court may also decide to add any civil, administrative, or criminal action as it deems fit.

Committing a Sexual Offence With a Kidnapped Minor (F.S. 787.01)

Any individual who forcibly, secretly or by threat, confines, abducts, or imprisons a child under the age of 13 against the will of the child’s legal guardian(s) or parent(s) or without legal authority commits an offense of kidnapping of a minor. In addition, the violation becomes a sexual offense if, during the kidnap, the offender commits one or more of the following;

  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Sexual battery against the child
  • Lewd or lascivious conduct or exhibition against the child
  • A violation relating to prostitution against the child
  • Child exploitation or permitting another person to exploit the child
  • Human trafficking violation against the child

This offense attracts life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or probation for the remainder of the offender’s life and a $15,000 fine.

False Imprisonment of a Minor (F.S. 787.02)

Anyone who uses force or threats to abducts or imprisons a child under the age of 13 against the intention of the minor’s parent or guardian is guilty of false imprisonment of a minor. The offense of the false imprisonment of a minor is a sexual crime if, when keeping a minor, the abductor commits one of the violations below;

  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Sexual battery against the child
  • Lewd or lascivious battery, molestation, conduct, or exhibition against the child
  • Prostitution against the child
  • Permits child exploitation or exploits the child personally
  • Human trafficking violation against the child

Parties caught in these acts are guilty of first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 in prison or life imprisonment, 30 years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.

Soliciting a Child for Unlawful Sex (F.S. 847.0135(3))

It is a crime for someone to attempt to or solicit, entice, or lure a minor or an individual believed to be a child into unlawful sexual conduct with the aid of the internet or electronic devices. In Florida, the court addresses soliciting a child for unlawful sex as a second-degree felony. The violator is likely to pay a $10,000 fine and face 15 years of incarceration and 15 years of probation. The state also charges offenders per use of the device. Therefore, if the sex maniac uses a device to solicit a child to engage in an illegal sex act four times, the individual faces four-count charges.

Human Trafficking (F.S. 787.06)

Human trafficking, as defined by F.S. 787.06 (2d), is the illegal transporting, soliciting, harboring, maintaining, or obtaining another person for exploitation. Suppose the offense of human trafficking is for a sex-related purpose. In that case, the perpetrator is guilty of a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, 30 years probation, and a $10,000 fine.

Suppose the victim trafficked for sexual activity is a minor under the age of 18. The offender is liable for committing a life felony which attracts penalties such as life in prison without parole or probation possibilities for the remainder of the person’s life and a $15,000 fine.

Sexual Battery (F.S. 794.011)

Sexual battery, under F.S. 794.011 (h), is the oral, vaginal, or anal penetration of another person with the sexual organ or with an object without getting the victim’s consent, except for legal, medical reasons. The penalties for sexual battery in Florida depend on the circumstances surrounding the offense. For instance;

  • Suppose an adult performs sexual battery or attempts to commit a sexual battery upon a child of 12 years or younger, and in the process, injures the sexual organs of the child. In that case, the party is guilty of a capital felony. A capital felony is convictable by death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
  • An individual who is 18 years or less partakes in sexual battery or has intentions to commit sexual battery on a child of 12 years or younger, and in the process, injures the sexual organs of the minor is guilty of a life felony. The penalties for this offense include life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or probation for the rest of the person’s life and a $15,000 fine.
  • Anyone who attempts to or commits sexual battery on a person 12 years of age or older with the use or threat, a deadly weapon, or actual physical force likely to cause severe or personal injury commits a life felony. The offender might stay in prison or be on probation for life and have to pay $15,000 in fine.
  • Whosoever of age 18 years or older who commits sexual battery or attempts to perform sexual battery upon an adult is blameworthy for a first-degree felony, punishable by 30 years incarceration period, 30 years probation, and a $10,000 fine.
  • A person younger than 18 years who commits sexual battery or tries to commit sexual battery with a person of 12 years or older may be convicted of a first-degree felony, which attracts 30 years imprisonment, 30 years probation, and a $10,000 fine.
  • An adult who tries to or perpetrates sexual battery on a 12-year-old or an older person without using or threatening to use a deadly weapon or use actual physical force likely to cause severe or personal injury gets a first-degree felony charge. The sex offender stays in prison for 30 years, receives 30-year probation, and pays a $10,000 fine.
  • An individual who has reached the age of accountability and commits sexual battery on a person 18 years of age or older without using or threatening to use a deadly weapon or use actual physical force that may cause serious or personal injury is guilty of a second-degree felony. The sex maniac faces a 15-year incarceration time, 15 years probation, and must pay $10,000 as a fine.
  • A person who is younger than 18 years of age who performs sexual battery on a person 12 years of age or older without threatening or using any deadly weapon or coercion likely to cause severe or personal injury faces a second-degree felony charge. The perpetrator gets up to 15 years in prison time, 15 years probation, and a $10,000 fine.

Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors (F.S. 794.05)

A party 24 years of age or older who engages in sexual activity (anal or virginal penetration with or without an object) with a person who is 16 or 17 years of age is culpable of a second-degree felony. Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors is punishable by 15 years in prison, 15 years probation, and a $10,000 fine.

Video Voyeurism of a Minor (F.S. 810.145(8))

Any person aged 18 years or older commits video voyeurism of a minor if the individual records the private area of a minor of age 16 years or less without consent for sexual arousal, profit, entertainment, distribution, or amusement. It also applies to recording a child dressing or undressing or in a place that requires some privacy.

The courts in Florida charge persons found guilty of video voyeurism of minors with a second-degree felony. The corresponding punishment includes 15 years confinement in a correctional facility, 15 years probation, and a $10,000 fine.

Lewd or Lascivious Offence Committed Upon or in the Presence of An Elderly Person or Disabled Adult (F.S. 825.1025)

A person who perpetrates lewd/lascivious battery upon an older adult or a disabled adult commits a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years incarceration, 15 years probation, and a $10,000 fine. Lewd/lascivious battery means the oral, vaginal, or anal penetration of another person with the sexual organ or with an object, without the victim’s consent or the knowledge that the other person cannot consent.

In addition, a party that performs lewd/lascivious molestation on an aged person or a disabled adult is guilty of a third-degree felony. Lewd/lascivious molestation means intentionally touching the breasts, genitals, buttocks, or clothing covering the specified areas without the other person’s consent or knowing that the other person cannot consent. The punishment includes up to five years in a correctional facility, five years probation, and a fine of $5,000.

Meanwhile, an individual who commits lewd/lascivious exhibition against a senior or a disabled adult faces the charges for a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison, five years probation, and a fine of $5,000. Lewd/lascivious exhibition is an action or behavior that does not involve sexual contact but exposes the genitals or displays other sexual sights.

What Types of Sex Offenders Exist in Florida?

Unlike other states in the United States, Florida does not use a tier/class-based classification for sex offenders. Instead, sex violators in the state are designated either as typical sexual offenders or as sexual predators.

Sexual Offender

The categorization of a sexual offender applies to any individual who commits a sex crime in the state or out of the state. Such a person must register as a sexual offender in the state and may have certain restrictions on movement and possible actions.

Sexual Predator

A sexual predator is considered a worse and more dangerous criminal than a typical sexual offender under F.S. 775.21 (Florida Sexual Predators Act). A sexual offender is designated a sexual predator if:

  • The sex violator is convicted of a sexually violent offense, and a written court order indicates that the offender is a sexual predator.
  • The offender is convicted of a felony (either capital, life, or first degree) or an attempt of a sexual offense where the victim is a minor.
  • The sexual offender is civilly committed under the Florida Jimmy Ryce Sexually Violent Predator Act, and a written court order addresses the sex maniac as a sexual predator. The Florida Jimmy Ryce Sexually Violent Predator Act states that the State Attorney may involuntarily commit a sexual offender to be held in a civil commitment facility indefinitely for the remainder of the person's life, even if the offender has completed the prison sentence. This Act may be invoked if there are sufficient reasons to believe the offender may repeat the offense upon release and/or still present a reasonable level of danger to the public.

Repeat sexual offenders, sexual violators who use violence to commit sexual acts, or sex criminals who prey on children are designated as sexual predators.

How to Find a Sex Offender Near Me in Florida

The public may gain information about sex offenders in each neighborhood via the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), responsible for compiling and maintaining the Florida Sexual Offender/Predator registry. Under F.S. 119.07 (Public Records Law), members of the public have the right to view information managed by public bodies, except records sealed or expunged. Hence, files in the custody of the FDLE are public information, including the registry of sexual offenders in the state. In addition, the FDLE releases the details of sex offenders to ensure the continued safety of citizens and provide awareness so that persons living in Florida may identify sex criminals quickly.

Furthermore, residents of Florida may request details of sex offenders or sex predators online through the Offender Search. Requesters may find sex violators by name, city, county, or zip code. Also, the FDLE provides a Florida Offender Alert System, which sends free email notifications to users when a registered sexual offender or predator moves into the user's neighborhood. The FDLE also has a Neighbourhood Search function that permits users to search for offenders/predators living within a 5-mile radius of any address.

Interested members of the public may also obtain public record information from third-party websites. These privately owned sites typically host data culled from public databases and repositories. However, the information available on third-party sites may vary since they are independent of government sources. In order to use a third-party site, record seekers may be required to provide all or some of the following information:

  • The full name on the record of choice
  • The last known or current address of the named individual
  • The address of the requestor

What Happens When You Register as a Sex Offender in Florida?

A registered sex offender in Florida is bound to face certain limitations. Usually, sex crimes are serious offenses, and sex violators are considered potentially dangerous individuals. Thus, Florida imposes several restrictions on sex offenders, which are purposed to protect the members of the public and prevent the offender from re-offending. Constraints on sex offenders/predators in Florida affect residency, work opportunities, and movement. Sex deviants must also fulfill some obligations at intervals to comply with the monitoring policies imposed by the authorities. However, the limitations and responsibilities vary according to the particular offense and the designation of the offender.

The records of registered sex offenders/predators in Florida must remain in the registry for the remainder of their lives. These sex violators must update the records twice or four times per year based on the designation of the criminals. Some of the information sex deviants must renew with their local police departments are residential details, occupations, places of employment, vehicle information, phone numbers, and email addresses. A sex offender must also update the local Sheriff Office on driver's license details within 48 hours of a name change, vehicle change, or residential information change. In addition, the sex convict must inform the local police of any travel plans, including travel out of the state.

According to F.S. 775.215 that states the restriction of residency for parties convicted of specific sex offenses, sex offenders whose victims were 16 years of age or less cannot reside within 1,000 feet of any park, school, playground, or child care facility. Nevertheless, the state may not force the offender to relocate if a school, child care facility, park, or playground is subsequently established within 1,000 feet of their existing residence. Following F.S. 948.30.1.5(f), a sex maniac whose victim was below 18 must not work for pay or volunteer at any place where children regularly congregate. This includes schools, child care facilities, playgrounds, pet stores, libraries, zoos, theme parks, and malls.

What is the Florida Sex Offender Registry?

The Florida Sexual Offender and Predator System is a public database that provides information on registered sexual offenders residing, working or schooling in the state. It allows members of the public to stay updated on the possible presence of sex offenders living within their community. Details on the website might include the name, picture, and zip code of registered offenders. Users can also confirm the offender status and state status of registered offenders. Updated every day, the public website compiles information sourced from multiple local law enforcement partners in coordination with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Interested members of the public may also obtain public record information from third party websites. These privately owned sites typically host data culled from public databases and repositories. However, the information available on third-party sites may vary since they are independent of government sources. To use a third-party site, record seekers may be required to provide all of some of the following information:

  • The full name on the record of choice
  • The last known or current address of the named individual
  • The address of the requestor

How Long Do Sex Offenders Have to Register in Florida?

Sex offenders and sexual predators must maintain their registration for life - except where exempted by a court order. Depending on the nature of their crime, offenders are required to complete a registration form twice every year or four times a year. Sexual predators must register four times a year - once in their birth month and every subsequent three months. Registrants who move to a new residence are required to update their identification card within 48 hours of the relocation.

Do Juveniles Have to Register?

Florida laws mandate the conditional registration of a juvenile offender in cases where he or she:

  • Meets the state’s criteria for classification as an adult sexual predator or offender
  • Is convicted as an adult for a sex offense
  • Was adjudicated delinquent for a qualifying offense committed at the age of 14 years or older

Do Sex Offenders Have to Notify Neighbors in Florida?

While sex offenders are not required to notify neighbors, Florida laws mandate that they report to the office of the local sheriff - who can then choose to publicize the information. Some of the information that offenders must provide during registration include:

  • Race
  • Physical descriptors (hair, eye color, tattoos, other identifying marks, height, and weight)
  • Sex
  • Social security number
  • Date of birth
  • Palm print and fingerprint
  • Photograph
  • Conviction information
  • Place of employment and occupation
  • Vehicle information
  • Passport information
  • Residential address
  • Mobile number, email address, and other internet identifiers

This law is not restricted to only residents. Visitors who have been convicted of sex offenses in another state must report in person to the local sheriff’s office within 48 hours of their arrival in Florida. For the duration of their stay offenders or predators are held to Florida laws. This means they must also provide a completed copy of the FDLE sexual offender registration form in other to secure a driver’s license or state identification card. Visitors who flout this rule may be prosecuted for a third-degree felony.

What Happens if a Sex Offender Leaves the State?

Sex offenders who plan to move or travel outside of Florida to other states must report their intent to the local county sheriff. Reports must be made within 48 hours before the date and in person.

Do Sex Offenders Have to Put a Sign in Their Yard in Florida?

Although sex offenders in Florida are not required to put up a sign in their yards, Florida legislation gives law enforcement officials the authority to inform local communities about sex offenders "in a manner deemed appropriate”. This means - in addition to providing online alerts - local authorities may also decide to print flyers o post warning signs outside the home of registered offenders. While not common, this action is typically reserved for sexual predators. In addition, the state legislation imposes a lifetime requirement for active GPS monitoring on individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors as well as sex predatory offenses.

How Close Can a Sex Offender Live to a School in Florida?

Florida state laws prohibit anyone convicted of a sex crime with a victim less than 16 years from living within 1,000 ft. of a school, park, or playground. It also sets similar sex-offender residency restrictions for designated bus stops or anywhere kids may gather and play. The restriction range may be larger in some counties. Individuals who violate this law may be found guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor. However, the law does not require that sex 1406offenders move from their home if a bus stop, playground, or school is established within 1,000 feet after they move in.

Is Public Urination a Sex Offense in Florida?

Although Florida doesn’t have a particular law that criminalizes public urination, the state has a law against indecent exposure, which prohibits the display of sexual organs in public or in a private place belong to someone else. Individuals convicted of this first-degree misdemeanor offense may face penalties that include up to one year jail time, $1,000 in fines, or both. A conviction also leads to the creation of a criminal record. Offenders charged with committing indecent exposure in front of a minor may face even stiffer penalties such as:

  • Mandated counseling
  • A jail time of up to 14 years
  • A felony conviction
  • A sex offender registration

Note: Breastfeeding is a protected act under Florida statutes. Mothers may breastfeed their children in public or private, regardless of whether a nipple is covered or exposed.

How to Report a Sex Offender in Florida?

The FLDLE recommends that residents send reports of possible violations by sex offenders to the closest local law enforcement agency. Sex offenders and predators must comply with registration requirements. Breaking this rule is a felony offense punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Residents can also submit reports by contacting the FDLE at:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement,
Missing Persons and Offender Registration
Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee,
FL 32302-1489
Toll-free: (888) 357-7332
Local: (850) 410-8572
Email: sexpred@fdle.state.fl.us

The office opens from Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Can You Expunge a Sex Offender Charge in Florida?

Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law provides limited options for younger sex offenders who desire removal from the registry. However, older offenders and sexual predators have no option. For sexual predators, inclusion in the registry is a lifetime requirement - with no avenue for relief. Sexual offenders who are able to obtain post-conviction relief or secure a governor pardon may be able to have their names removed from the registry. Similarly, offenders who have been on the registry for a period of 25 years may also be able to petition the court for relief from registration requirements. To qualify for this, petitioners must have had no felony arrest or misdemeanors during the 25-year period. In compliance with Florida’s Romeo & Juliet Law, petitioners must also be able to demonstrate several facts:

  • An absence of any other sex crime on the offender’s
  • That the sex conduct leading to the offense was consensual
  • That the victim was no more than four years younger than the offender
  • That the victim was neither younger than 13 years nor older than 17 years old.

How to Look Up Sex Offenders in Florida

The Florida Sexual Offenders and Predator Search system provide public access to information on sex offenders in the state. With the tool, residents can search for offenders by name, city, county, or zip code. Users can also search for offenders using a known alias. Results in the database may include the thumbnail and physical descriptor of registered offenders. The registry also contains information on registered offenders under the supervision of the FL Department of Juvenile Justice, the FL Department of Corrections, and the US Probation office. Access to the portal is free. In addition to its search tool, the public site also provides a free offender alert system - in partnership with the Florida Sheriff’s Association and Florida Police Chief Association. Residents can sign up to receive email alerts whenever a sexual predator moves into their neighborhood. Alternatively, users can obtain information on sex offenders by contacting the FDLE at:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement,
Missing Persons and Offender Registration
Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489
Toll-free: (888) 357-7332
Local: (850) 410-8572