Search

AVAILABLE 24/7

Who Must Register as a Sex Offender or Predator?

I WORK HARD TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS.

Effective Defense from an AV Preeminent* Rated Former Prosecutor with more than 25 Years of Experience

Who Must Register as a Sex Offender or Predator?

I WORK HARD TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS.

Effective Defense from an AV Preeminent* Rated Former Prosecutor with more than 25 Years of Experience

If you are being charged with a sexual crime, it’s crucial that you seek a skilled Tampa sex crimes lawyer to help protect your rights. A sex crime conviction can lead to prison time and will require lifelong registration on the sex offender registry.

WHAT IS THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY?

Designed as a way to protect the community from individuals who have committed particular offenses, the sex offender registry is a listing of convicted felons whose crimes were sexual in nature. This list is available online and is updated regularly. Each state has its own registry. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains our state’s registry.

WHO MUST REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER?

Florida Statute 943.0435 details who must register as a sex offender or sexual predator. Essentially, it states that if an individual has been convicted of one of the following crimes in Florida or in another state, then they must register as a sex offender:

  • Sexual battery (including spousal rape, date rape, and statutory rape)
  • Kidnapping
  • False imprisonment
  • Lewd and lascivious offenses (public exposure, nudity, and other offenses)
  • Child molestation
  • Child prostitution
  • Child pornography
  • Unlawful sexual activity with minors  
  • Sexual performances by a child
  • The selling or buying of minors

WHAT IS A SEXUAL PREDATOR?

A sexual predator is an individual who has been convicted of a sex offense that was violent in nature, someone who has been committed under the Florida Jimmy Ryce Sexually Violent Predator Act, or someone deemed by a court order as a sexual predator.

WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU HAVE TO PROVIDE WHEN REGISTERING AS A SEX OFFENDER?

The state of Florida requires that individuals who must register as sex offenders provide the following information upon their release from prison:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Social security number
  • Race
  • Sex
  • Height and weight
  • Hair and eye color
  • Tattoos or other identifying marks
  • Fingerprints and palm prints
  • Photograph
  • Occupation and place of employment
  • Residential address
  • Vehicle information
  • All telephone numbers  
  • All email addresses, social media handles, and messaging account user name
  • Conviction information
  • Passport information
  • Immigration status/documentation
  • Professional license information

Sex offenders must provide this info to their local sheriff. 

If you move, get a new email or phone number, or otherwise change any of the info above, you must notify your probation officer, if you have one. If you don’t have one, you may use the state’s Cyber Communications System to register changes.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER?

To maintain accurate records, those who are required to register as sex offenders must do so regularly, depending on the offense they were convicted of. Sexual offenders must register twice yearly or four times a year. Sexual predators and juvenile sex offenders must report four times yearly. 

In addition, if an offender or predator moves, they must update their driver’s license within 48 hours of the move.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER?

If you have been required by law to register as a sex offender and fail to do so, you can be charged with a felony. While registration can make it difficult to find housing and a job, it is generally better than imprisonment.

HOW LONG MUST I REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER?

If you have been convicted of a crime that requires that you register as a sex offender, you must continue to register for the rest of your life unless you are eligible to have your name removed from the registry.

HOW CAN I GET MY NAME REMOVED FROM THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY?

Individuals who have committed a crime that requires sex offender registry must register for life.

However, if an individual has been off of probation (supervision) for 25 years and has not committed any additional offenses, they can petition to have their name removed from the registry if they were not convicted of one of the following crimes:  

  • Kidnapping
  • false imprisonment  
  • sexual battery (rape)
  • lewd/lascivious battery where the victim is under the age of 12
  • lewd/lascivious molestation where the victim is under the age of 12  
  • lewd/lascivious molestation where the court finds the offense involved the use of force or coercion and unclothed genitals or genital area  
  • lewd/lascivious battery on an elderly or disabled person  

To learn more about getting removed from the sex offender registry, read our page: “How to Get Off the Florida Sex Offender Registry“.

If eligible, a sexual offender can petition the criminal division of the circuit court where they were convicted (if the conviction occurred in Florida) or where they live (if the conviction occurred elsewhere). For more information, consult with a skilled Tampa sex crimes lawyer.

WHAT RESTRICTIONS MUST SOMEONE ON THE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY ABIDE BY?

All individuals who must register as sex offenders or predators must do so regularly. Individuals who were convicted of a crime against a minor under 16 may not live within 1,000 feet of a school, park, playground, or daycare facility. These are statewide requirements. Otherwise, sex offenders are not restricted in terms of who they live with or where they live. Counties and municipalities may enact their own restrictions, however. If you are required to register as a sex offender, you can find the restrictions for your area at your local sheriff’s office or on their website. 

CHARGED WITH A SEX OFFENSE? SEEK REPRESENTATION NOW!

If you’ve been charged with a crime that was sexual nature, it’s crucial that you seek the advice of a skilled defense attorney. If you are convicted, you may be forced to register as a sexual offender or predator. This can jeopardize your future, limiting your job and housing prospects and even alienating your family. Make sure you have someone in your corner that is ready to fight for your rights—contact Mike G Law today.

As a former sex-crimes prosecutor, Mike G understands how the judicial system goes after those believed to have committed sexual crimes. Often, these individuals are tarred and feathered before they ever set foot into a courtroom. Don’t let your name be dragged through the mud—make sure you have a skilled Tampa sex crimes attorney to help you protect your future.

Let Mike G Help Protect Your Rights

The decisions you make after you have been arrested can determine the outcome of your case — and possibly your life. Call Mike G Law at 813-221-4303, or contact me online.

Contact Mike G Now

* Complete all required fields

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

I would do more than 5 stars if it was available. Mr. Gonzalez was outstanding. Told everything how it was, very responsive to call and email. Fought very hard to get my husband the outcome he received. If We were to ever need a attorney in Florida again, We would use him as many times as We needed. We highly recommend to anyone looking for an awesome attorney to go with Mike G Law!!! He gets to the point!!!

Ashley F.

I cannot recommend Mr Gonzalez enough. He is extremely professional as is his entire firm. Mr Gonzalez has been very knowledgeable and forthcoming throughout the entire legal process. I highly recommend him and a definite five star!

Bonnie B.

Mike G. is a great attorney. Very professional, very punctual, easy to talk to. Thanks to him my case was dismissed charges dropped.

Eric G.

I was able to text or call Mike anytime I needed to. He worked with me, on a real level and communicated realistic expectations for my situation. Thanks again guys.

Nicole S.

I wish I could give Mr. González 10 stars out of 5. He is a stellar and highly competent criminal justice attorney. Mr. González has effectively given me a second chance at life thanks to his deep and professional knowledge of criminal law. I was facing a very serious crime that carried a considerable period of imprisonment. But thanks to his incredible talent, sheer strength of intelligence, and a strong heart to fight for an individual’s values, I can now rest easy knowing that I will not have to suffer through the penal system. If you ever have a problem with the criminal justice system, I highly recommend that you hire this remarkable gentleman to fight for you in your case. I owe you a tremendous debt for your services. He gave me back my life and I will always be grateful. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez!

Shaler B.

Mike took care of my legal and civil case and was very helpful and Professional. He was responsive to all my questions and gave me updates as I asked for them. He helped get me in a position to see my son again which I am extremely grateful for. Thank you and God bless!

William W.