Where Can I Find Information About Sexual Offender / Predators Residency Requirements?

Individuals who have been convicted of being a sexual offender or sexual predator have limitations placed on them even after completing any jail sentence. They must register as a sexual offender or sexual predator with the sheriff’s office nearest their residence. They must re-register every three to six months, depending on the terms of their release. And these individuals are limited to where they can reside.

For those who have to register as a sexual offender/predator must supply the following information:

• All names and aliases ever used;
• Date of birth;
• Race;
• Sex;
• Hair and eye color, height, and weight;
• Photograph;
• Place of birth;
• Driver’s license or state issued identification card number;
• Telephone numbers;
• Social Security number;
• Residential address or addresses including transient (i.e., homeless);
• Employer’s name, address and telephone number;
• School name, address and telephone number;
• All email addresses and Internet identifiers; and
• Crime information.

This information is posted on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators website. The website has a search function that allows any individual to see if a sexual offender/predator may live near to their residence.

Florida statute 775.215 says that a person convicted as a sexual offender or predator "may not reside within 1,000 feet of any school, child care facility, park, or playground. However, a person does not violate this subsection and may not be forced to relocate if he or she is living in a residence that meets the requirements of this subsection and a school, child care facility, park, or playground is subsequently established within 1,000 feet of his or her residence." Fla. Stat. s.775.215.

Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa have identical municipal ordinances relating to sexual offenders and predators. These ordinances prohibit predators from living at the same address. They also prohibit predators from residing "in a multi-family dwelling, two-family dwelling or duplex, triplex or quadraplex, manufactured or mobile home in a mobile home park, townhouse, apartment or condominium in which another predatory individual resides." Hillsborough County Code s. 36-309.

Additionally, the county and the city have established safety zones where offenders and predators may not be within or loiter just outside of. These zones are defined as 300 feet from schools, "playgrounds and play facilities, YMCA and YWCA facilities and Boys and Girls Club’s facilities, libraries, parks, youth sports facilities, youth campgrounds, skating parks and rinks, public swimming pools, amusement parks, and public zoos … day care centers, video arcades, transient carnivals, transient zoos, or school bus stops." Hillsborough County Code s. 36-307. The ordinance details that the zones is measured out from the outer property line. While registered offenders and predators are not allowed in designated safety zones, there is an exception when they are traveling from one place to another and the route goes through a safety zone.

The residency restrictions in these laws and ordinances are meant to not only protect children, but to also attempt to remove temptation for sexual offenders and predators. If you have questions about these residency requirements and making sure one does not run afoul of them, contact our knowledgeable attorneys to assist you.