Clarification to our suggestion of adopting SORNA tiers
On March 11th we posted an opinion piece suggesting that Florida should adopt SORNAs Tier system. The post generated some controversy and confusion, so a clarification is warranted.
The Florida Action Committee (FAC) remains steadfast in its mission to abolish the sex offender registry entirely. However, while working toward this ultimate goal, FAC recognizes the need to advocate for incremental reforms that can alleviate some of the harms caused by the current system. One such reform is adopting the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) tiered system in Florida, replacing the state’s current lifetime registration requirement for all offenders.
To be absolutely clear: FAC’s core mission is to abolish the sex offender registry, which we believe is inherently flawed, punitive, and counterproductive. The registry perpetuates stigma, hinders rehabilitation, and fails to enhance public safety. However, until the federal SORNA is repealed—a necessary prerequisite for eliminating the registry altogether—FAC supports pragmatic, incremental changes that can mitigate the harms of the current system.
Florida’s one-size-fits-all approach mandates lifetime registration for all individuals on the registry, regardless of the severity of their offense or their risk of reoffending. This policy creates permanent barriers to housing, employment, and reintegration into society.
The federal SORNA system uses a three-tiered classification to categorize offenders based on their perceived risk level:
– Tier I: Low-risk offenders, are typically required to register for 15 years.
– Tier II: Moderate-risk offenders, are required to register for 25 years.
– Tier III: High-risk offenders, are subject to lifetime registration.
Adopting this tiered system in Florida would be a significant improvement over the current lifetime registration requirement. It would allow some individuals to eventually move on with their lives.
FAC’s advocacy for SORNA tiers is not a deviation from its mission but a strategic step toward achieving it. Until SORNA is repealed at the federal level, eliminating Florida’s registry would be a hollow victory, as federal requirements would still apply. By suggesting a tiered system, FAC aims to create a better framework within the existing legal constraints.
Rest assured that FAC remains committed to its mission of abolishing the sex offender registry. However, in the interim, we support practical reforms like adopting SORNA tiers to mitigate the harms of the current system. This incremental approach allows us to address some of the immediate injustices while continuing to fight for the broader systemic change we believe is necessary.
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Wouldn’t that mean that PFRs who have been released from the Florida under the 25-rule who would be classified as level 3 due to the age of the victim being under 13, even with a low level felony, be required to back on registry? Stupid idea
I am from Michigan and I strongly suggest being very careful with the “Tiers” idea.. its not what you think it is. What happened in Michigan when they did the tier system (much of it retroactive) is that the least likly and least serious crimes were branded as worst got placed on life time registry while the most serious crimes got listed as lesser crimes and actually had the potential to be removed. Example. Tier 3 is listed as the worst tier and is automatically a lifetime registry.. what is tier 3? it is consensual sex with a minor often by a minor. Here is a case file going to the judges in Michigan describing some of the SORNA plight. Definitly worth reading before getting on the SORNA teir bandwagons https://www.courts.michigan.gov/4925f4/siteassets/case-documents/briefs/msc/2023-2024/166339/166339_76_01_ac_brf-aclu-mi_aclu.pdf
By all means, any proposal that will help any person on the registry MUST be supported, even if it’s the flawed tier system, which fails to take into account any type of personal assessment to determine individual risk to society. A small victory for some is better than unjust treatment for all
January 11, 2026 will mark 25 years for me on the registry. My offense was 1 count of possession of child porn. It was a federal case as it was done on the internet, but I live in Florida. I plan to request being taken off the registry, but have no illusions of being approved. I’m 73, live alone, and need back surgery that will require me staying at my daughter’s house during recovery, though her HOA won’t allow me there. I’ve delayed the surgery for many years, but must do it now, as I’m barely able to walk.
I’ll let you know the outcome, even though we both know the outcome already. Land of the Free!!!
If it’s been 20 years since being released from all sanctions (including supervised release) and you have not been arrested since, contact attorney Ron Kleiner.
Good luck on your back surgery.
HERE YA GO. What is the one thing we have not ever had. The ability to push them back. These LE officers here get pretty verbally violent pushing us down. I got to hear this new Sgt. who bowed up back down with “Well we just do this for FDLE you have to go through them” when I pushed back. I’m more then what you or they know… Now someone in FDLE lied to cover it up. I know FAC’s goal is to abolish the registry all together. I fear that will cause more harm then good against us. I think by just showing and proving what Dick Zimmer and Justice Souter did to hide the punishment would be a good start to soften the blow back we have taken for the past 30+ years. I’ve thought about going to one of these meet and greets or a physical meeting an I just may. But only as a guest for now if you are okay with that.
Overall, abolishing the monstrosity known as SORNA is always going to be the goal until accomplished. Until then…
As has been discussed over at the CA sibling website of this website, there needs to be: 1) off-ramps for those on Tier III; 2) individual assessments for all in each tier to prove they’re categorized properly and as proof they are truly a danger (otherwise it proves this method is punishment with a time component); and 3) Stop Tier I at 10 years, Tier II at 13 years, and Tier III registration at 17 years according to the Static-99R author’s own admission at 17 years, a PFR is no longer a danger to anyone and is equal to a non-sex offense convicted person (anything beyond 17 years is punishment). Should FLA attempt to adopt the Fed Tiers principle, they should attempt to incorporate these changes as well at the same time.
The path detailed above by FAC is the same path CA did with the same logic which has caused a lot of consternation with the masses even with Tiers I & II ability to petition for release AND having CA case precedent showing the DA must prove the petitioner is a danger to prevent release from registration.
Agree, but remember those changes would need to be made on the federal level. We are totally on board with collaborating with every group to accomplish that goal. For the purposes of Florida, we would be bound by the federal SORNA, as it’s a “floor not a ceiling”
Correct…Federal Codified Numerical Statutes Exist
Can’t Just change it…only thing that can be done is if the Funding goes away
-too many peoples hands are in the Cookie jar!