Arrest brings attention to Florida’s transient sex offender laws
XXX’s arrest has raised questions about how Florida tracks sex offenders who do not have a permanent place to live — a category known under state law as “transient” sex offenders.
“When you’re a homeless person or a transient, and you’re a registered sex offender, you’re required to report to the sheriff’s office wherever you live,” said attorney Daniel Garza. “You have to provide the area that you may be living or staying at, what times you’re going to be there, and you’re required to do that every 30 days.”
Under Florida law, transient sex offenders must regularly check in with law enforcement, document where they are staying, and ensure they are not located near schools, parks, or daycare centers. Even technical violations of registration requirements can result in new criminal charges.
“Failure to register as a sex offender — that is a crime in and of itself,” Garza said. “It’s a third-degree felony that can obviously wrap you up in the legal system.” Garza also noted that Florida’s registration laws are stricter than those in many other states. “You may have somebody who committed a crime in another state that does not require registration there,” he explained. “But if they move to Florida, that same crime may require them to register as a sex offender.”
Florida law also requires individuals to register if they stay in the state for more than three days — even if it is only temporarily. “In Florida, if you take up residence here for more than three days, even if you’re on vacation, you’re required to register,” Garza said.
Authorities have not said sexual abuse is part of the current investigation.
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What’s funny is, that St lucie county, is saying that you can’t be transient anymore.
Tereto
Since when did being homeless become a crime? Oh wait, if you are homeless and have a sex offense in your past. Who comes up with all these traps and holes to fall into? We all know they come up with these rules to make us fail and get back into the system.
Stay vigilant, watch your backs and stay out of trouble and hope trouble doesn’t find us. The World is becoming an undesirable place, especially for us. Finally, do NOT go looking for trouble. Wake up every day saying, “I got this”. Do not let the system be your downfall.
I’m glad I was able to visit many of the beautiful places Florida has to offer BEFORE I became a registrant, because I’ll never, ever again set foot in that state. It’s almost a crime itself, how the lawmakers and LE are so ruthlessly harsh, backwards, punitive, and unforgiving towards one class of criminals over all others in Florida.
BOB
It is ALL about the money. Funding is given to the registry in Florida and they can hire more registry employees and many other situations. I would like to see a “Sunshine” law packet showing just what they are spending that money on.
And they like having us on for life so that money pours in until the end of time itself.
Have you submitted a request for such a packet?
Jacob, I have not. I do not want my name coming up in any database. Bad enough I have been on the registry since the Caveman days. Retro-actively applied no-less.
Other than F.A.C, I keep a low profile.
Have you challenged Florida Sorna Law, I accepted my plea early 1997 before it was on the books. I’m going to sue injuctive relief, the State of Florida, FDLE and OCSO for breach of contract as I did not agree to Sorna and I was not made aware of the collateral consequences of accepting the plea
Does v. Glass, in the Federal Southern District of Florida, is scheduled for trial starting July 13.
Charles
I hope you win if you sue. I am in your corner and will be praying and rooting for you.
Also hope F.A.C wins as well.