Who has to register as a sexual offender?

A conviction for a sexual offense can have a serious impact on people’s lives. In some situations, people may need to register as sexual offenders.

The Florida Legislature says that people have to list themselves on the sexual offender registry if they receive a conviction for certain sexual offenses. Most of these offenses are ones that involve minors. People do not always have to commit a sexual act in order to become part of the registry. Courts may require people to register if they receive a conviction for attempting to commit a sexual offense.

What requirements do people have to meet?

People have to list themselves on the sexual offender registry regardless of whether they received the conviction from a Florida court. If people committed a sexual offense in another state, they have to update their information when they move to Florida and list themselves on the state’s registry.

People have to make sure that their listing includes all of the relevant information about them, such as the following details:

• Height
• Fingerprints
• Identifying marks, such as tattoos
• Weight
• Social Security number

Additionally, people typically have to update their listing every time their circumstances change. These changes may include the purchase of a new vehicle or a new home.

What if someone does not register?

People may face serious consequences for failing to place themselves on this registry. The United States Department of Justice says that people commit a federal offense when they do not register as a sex offender. People may have to spend time in prison or pay fines if a court finds that they deliberately did not update their information.

In some situations, a court may deem that people no longer need to be on the sexual offender registry.