This is a topic we discussed on our last member call and the sad conclusion was that WE just don’t know AND FDLE or the local SPOT units don’t know.

FDLE advised me the litmus test was whether the online service could be used to communicate. Originally they asked “why would you register your bank?” but then when I gave the example of them communicating account information to me, they said it would need to be registered.

Even FPL (Florida Power and Light) sends notices that a bill is becoming due, so technically… If you do online bill pay, you may want to go back to paper billing and checks.

A bigger problem is online support (live chat). That’s pretty much precluded… Like people are going to go register their name, ask a question, then unregister their name…

I don’t know what FDLE intends to do with our financial accounts or what they expect we’ll do with our financial accounts. Do they expect registrants to solicit minors with their electric bill account?

The reality with all this is that the law, while well intended, makes no sense whatsoever! Too many of those who are acting in good faith and with intentions to do the right thing will get caught up in the technicalities or an accidental oversight and wind up with additional felonies and those who actually intend to go out and solicit a child are not going to register their account anyhow. It’s like asking someone to put on a name tag before they rob a bank!

It’s just sad!

The detective even said info is conflicting with Tallahassee. And regarding going to register the updates, the detective was shocked that I appeared..she said I was the only one that did,all others are calling in. She mentioned that they were going to have registrants notified to update things in November. (they are so backed up)..the car belonging to a family member has not been posted publicly on the site…but I will keep track of that.

You should ask the Manatee County detective to provide you the cite for the information he is giving you, because according to the statute and the information from FDLE, he IS WRONG.

Here is the statute: F.S. 775.21… (n) “Vehicles owned” means any motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01, which is registered, coregistered, leased, titled, or rented by a sexual predator or sexual offender; a rented vehicle that a sexual predator or sexual offender is authorized to drive; or a vehicle for which a sexual predator or sexual offender is insured as a driver. The term also includes any motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01, which is registered, coregistered, leased, titled, or rented by a person or persons residing at a sexual predator’s or sexual offender’s permanent residence for 5 or more consecutive days.

So even if you rent a car for one day and return it the next, never to be seen again, you need to register it according to Florida Statutes. Period. If you get advised otherwise, get it in writing otherwise good luck finding a judge who believes you!

Also, you are correct; FDLE’s system is NOT updated to distinguish cars registered to registrants vs. cars registered to others. Apparently the system will be updated in a month or so. If you register your family/friend/roommate’s car today it WILL appear publicly on your registration, along with the vehicle description and tag number.

The FDLE’s system is also NOT updated to accept “internet identifiers”. The only options are email address and IM. I have updated the username and to where it applies under IM “Other”, even though the current format is inapplicable to the requirements.

I have also gotten conflicting information every time I called. Don’t rely on what people tell you because most are more confused than you are. Wait to see it in writing.

Of what I read, and how an officer explained it to me, is that if the vehicle is not owned by someone that resides at your address,or a guest of 5 days or longer,the registrant is not required to list the vehicle with their local sheriffs department.So if a registrant would use a friends car,lets say to go shopping, that resides at an address other then the registrants its fine. But counties seem to differ so I would suggest asking your local sheriff. Yes,if a non registrant loans their car to a registrant and the registrant commits a new offense the car owner could be charged..I believe a misdemeanor.