Special rules for transient sexual offenders and predators

Under Florida law, a sexual offender or predator who does not have a physical home with an address is considered “transient”, subjecting the offender to more restrictive registration requirements than those with physical home addresses. Among other requirements, such offenders must report to the sheriff’s office every 30 days instead of only twice per year for offenders or quarterly for predators. Historic City News wants our readers to know the requirements.

According to Florida Statute, “A sexual offender shall report in person at the sheriff’s office in the county in which he or she is located within 48 hours after establishing a transient residence and thereafter must report in person every 30 days to the sheriff’s office in the county in which he or she is located while maintaining a transient residence.”

Florida Statute defines “transient residence” as a location “where a person lives, remains, or is located for a period of 5 or more days in the aggregate during a calendar year…the term includes, but is not limited to, a place where the person sleeps or seeks shelter and a location that has no specific street address.”

The sexual offender must provide the addresses and locations where he or she maintains a transient residence.

Each sheriff’s office shall establish procedures for reporting transient residence information and provide notice to transient registrants to report that information as required in this subparagraph. Reporting to the sheriff’s office as required by this subparagraph, does not exempt registrants from any re-registration requirement.

The sheriff may coordinate and enter into agreements with police departments and other governmental entities to facilitate additional reporting sites for transient residence registration required in this subparagraph. The sheriff’s office shall, within 2 business days, electronically submit and update all information provided by the sexual offender to the department.

Sexual Predator Offender Tracking detectives conduct both undercover and high visibility operations on a regular basis in areas were children frequently congregate. Additionally, these detectives conduct surveillance and verify the addresses and transient locations of offenders and predators above and beyond the statutory requirements. All offenders and predators are visited frequently by detectives.

If you have questions, tips or other information regarding sexual offenders and predators, please contact spot@sjso.org or call 904-209-1570.