Sex offenders are required to register in the Florida sex offender registry database for the safety of families and their children in regard to sexual predators. If you have been convicted of a sex crime, your sentence may include having to register as a sex offender yearly for the remainder of your life. If this is the case, each year you will be required to renew your information for the registry to provide to the public. In the case that you neglect to do so, you will be subject to further punishment and penalties, all of which are fairly serious.
Upon release from prison, you have a forty-eight-hour window of time in which to register as a sexual offender. Failure to comply with these requirements is punishable by law and could result in a third-degree felony conviction, five thousand dollar fine and upwards of five years of further prison time.
Required registration information includes personal information such as the following:
- A recent photograph
- Social security number
- Fingerprints
- Current address and any other residences
- Physical profile information
Repeat offenders who fail to register multiple times are subject to increased penalties and larger fines. A sex offender who lies about their current place of residence (i.e. claiming to reside in another state and yet still living in the state of Florida) are subject to a ten thousand dollar fine, a second-degree felony charge and up to fifteen years further prison time.
Defenses for Failure to Register as a Sexual Offender in Florida
There is little defense for failure to register as a sexual offender. Forgetfulness that is not the product of a mental illness is an unacceptable defense in court. However, if you are arrested, subsequently charged, and required to register, you can attempt to claim a lack of due notice for your registration. If you immediately register after your arrest you may be able to avoid jail time. Failing to register on more than one occasion is a crime that is not tolerated in the state of Florida and will be subject to further punishment in the Court of Law.