A Reminder About Reporting Requirements: When in Doubt, Ask
Following our recent Weekly Update about increased enforcement activity in Florida, we’ve received a flood of questions from members asking whether specific events, changes, or circumstances need to be reported to law enforcement. We understand the concern. The registration laws in Florida are complex, often confusing, and subject to varying interpretations.
First and foremost, remember this:
FAC is not a law firm, and FAC does not provide legal advice.
We do our best to educate, inform, and advocate, but if you are ever arrested or accused of violating registration requirements, saying, “FAC told me I didn’t have to report it” or “I read on the FAC website that I didn’t need to report it” will not carry any weight with law enforcement, prosecutors, or the courts.
Another reality is that Florida’s registration laws are often interpreted inconsistently from one jurisdiction to another. What one registration office says may differ from another. Unfortunately, many violations occur not because someone intended to break the law, but because they misunderstood what was required.
That’s why our advice is simple:
If you have any doubt whatsoever about whether something must be reported, ask an authority. We know not everyone can afford to have an attorney write an opinion letter every time you have a question, but it costs absolutely nothing to ask the FDLE, local law enforcement, (or if you are on probation, your PO).
And most importantly, document everything.
If you receive guidance:
– Ask for the response in writing whenever possible.
– Save emails and correspondence.
– If the response is provided over the phone or in person, write down: The name of the person you spoke with, Their title or agency, The date and time of the conversation, What you were told.
Maintaining a paper trail can be invaluable if questions ever arise later.
Even better, if the issue is still unclear, use the Declaratory Statement Request Template that FAC previously provided. We share these resources so that you will have the tools to protect yourself. A declaratory statement can help obtain an official written interpretation regarding your specific circumstances.
You can find the contact information for the registration office in your county here.
You can contact FDLE’s Offender Registry Services Bureau at:
Offender Registry Services Bureau
Post Office Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489
Telephone: 1-888-357-7332 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST)
Email: [email protected]
When it comes to registration compliance, it is always better to ask one question too many than one question too few.
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Hey all. Checked in today and no mention of the new law. It was the smoothest check-in I have ever had. Thank God for sure.
Tearfuleagle
Not un-common. When I go in, they do not tell us anything. No updates or nothing. They check us in, have us sign and send us on our way. They ask if we have any changes is about the only thing. I cannot remember a single time they have given us any changes to the laws.
If not for F.A.C I would not know 98% of what is going on with the registry laws, ordinances, rules, changes, updates etc. etc. The only ones that matter to me anyway are those that are retroactively applied. I think F.A.C stated that some of them only apply if you move, as otherwise you are grandfathered in.
For example, they changed the closeness to being to a school and I live walking distance to one but have lived here for 19 years now. It was 1000 feet. Its funny, we can live 1001 feet from a school but not 1000. I am sure that extra foot would deter someone LOL
Yea this time was quick. Told the guy is my 42nd time he asked me of any changes I said No, because I already do mine via the portal. Told him same house, same work two phones, two emails 5 identifiers no boats or Rv’s. He said thumb print and sign printer was behind him handed me my stuff said see you in January brother. That was it.
Next month is mine
Today is Saturday. I just got a new tag with a new number for my car in the mail today. I went ahead and used the online registration system that Judge Hinkle ordered FDLE to set up so that I could make the appropriate changes to my SO registry information. At first, I was pretty nervous about this because of some comments I’ve read in this forum about PFRs being arrested for not having the correct tag information in the registry system. Then I realized that the State sent the new tag to me using a USPS tracking number that shows the new tag was delived to my mailbox on the same day as my changed information. I went ahead and printed the tracking information and took a photo of the tag change for my records. I hope all this plus FDLE logging my use of their system with my user name is enough evidence to prove I registered the new tag within the 48 hr window. But does anyone know what I should do with the old tag?
You did perfect. You got the tag, you registered the tag, you put the tag on. I would call DMV or take it to DMV and turn it in.
Folks, never forget the rights you have whether you’re on or off paper. 1) You have the right to not incriminate yourself. This means you are not obligated to help any LEO with their criminal investigation against you, including registration requirements. 2) You have the right to counsel during any questioning by LEOs. If you feel they are going too far in their compliance checks like asking if you have any unregistered email addresses or YouTube accounts, you have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present.