Table of Contents
While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/
Florida Laws Regarding Registration
Who must register?
Multiple statute numbers:
https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/faq.jsf
What information must registrants provide?
FLA. STAT. ANN. § 943.0435(2)(b)
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0943/Sections/0943.0435.html
How frequently must they register? And for how long?
In 2017 - lifetime.
§ 943.0435(11)
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2017/943.0435
In 2016 - semi-annually or quarterly.
§ 943.0435(14)
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2016/943.0435
Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers?
Two levels, although they are not named, based on the statute of conviction.
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2017/943.0435
Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants?
No.
Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?
None.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes
Handled by county; there is no state statute.
Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision?
Residency 775.215
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2016/775.215
Loitering 856.022
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2016/856.022
Employment 943.04351
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0900-0999/0943/Sections/0943.04351.html
Halloween/costumes for some 947.1405(12)(b)
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0947/Sections/0947.1405.html
Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process?
None for predator designation; very narrow option for sexual offender FL. ST. § 943.0435(11)(a)
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2017/943.0435
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting the state?
Offender: 3 or more days in a year 775.21(2)(m)
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2016/775.21
Within 48 Hours for “sexual predators.” Chapter 755 Section 21 (6) (a) 2.a
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2020/775.21
BUT
For both categories, see number 6:
https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/faq.jsf
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to the state to live or to attend school?
Offender: 3 or more days in a year 775.21(2)(m)
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2016/775.21
Within 48 Hours for “sexual predators.” Chapter 755 Section 21 (6) (a) 2.a
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2020/775.21
BUT
For both categories, see number 6:
https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/faq.jsf
State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration
What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?
943.0435
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0943/Sections/0943.0435.html
948.30
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0948/Sections/0948.30.html
Does the state have lifetime supervision?
No.
Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?
No.
What are the state civil commitment laws?
394.910-394.932
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2016/Chapter394/Part_V
What is the age of consent?
Age 18 943.04354
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2016/943.04354
Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?
Yes. 943.04354
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2016/943.04354
Info for State Advocates
Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?
Yes - see statute 98.0751:
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0098/Sections/0098.0751.html
What does the state say about persons who are required to register?
How does the state’s legislative process work?
How can I locate legislation regarding sexual offense issues?
Search by phrase; also number, committee, etc.
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bills/2018?chamber=senate&searchOnlyCurrentVersion=False&isIncludeAmendments=False&isFirstReference=True&searchQuery=sex%20offender&citationType=FL%20Statutes&pageNumber=1
Best keywords are:
sex offense; sexual offender
How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:
Must create accounts
https://www.flsenate.gov/Login?referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flsenate.gov%2FTracker
http://www.lexisnexis.com/trial/uslm168473.asp?access=1-259552304&treatcd=1-348835911&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-6mOq4e12gIVDbnACh21BggZEAAYASAAEgJFJ_D_BwE
Most important legislative committees for our issues are:
Appropriations for criminal justice
https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/ACJ/
Criminal justice
https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/CJ/
Judiciary
https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/JU/
FL House Judiciary Committee
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Committees/committeesdetail.aspx?CommitteeId=2919
House Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Justice
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Committees/committeesdetail.aspx?CommitteeId=2921
House Subcommittee on Justice Appropriations
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Committees/committeesdetail.aspx?CommitteeId=2897
Contact info for state legislators can be found at:
https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/#Senators
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/representatives.aspx
Other Useful State Information
Contact information for state registry office
NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:
Florida Action Committee
https://floridaactioncommittee.org/
Other helpful state advocacy groups:
Response needed.
Other registrant-friendly state support groups:
Response needed.
Other helpful information
http://www.sexoffenderresource.com/florida/
“Sexual offenders/predators reported deceased remain on the website for one year after the date of death as provided on the death certificate. This allows victims, the community, and local law enforcement time to be notified.”
“A Sexual offender/predator's information is not removed from the registry's public website when the sexual offender/predator leaves the state of Florida. Removal from another state's registration requirement does not guarantee removal from the requirement to register in Florida”