Florida Action Committee Files Landmark Federal Constitutional Challenge to Florida’s Sex Offender Registry Laws
Boynton Beach, Florida — August 11, 2026 — The Florida Action Committee (FAC), a statewide nonprofit organization advocating for evidence-based criminal justice policies, today announced the filing of a sweeping federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s sex offender registration and restriction scheme as unconstitutional.
Filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Case No. 4:26-cv-00388-MW-MJF), the lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief against Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass, along with fifty counties and municipalities that enforce additional residency and presence restrictions. The complaint argues that Florida’s registry has evolved far beyond its original purpose as a public notification system and now functions as a system of perpetual punishment that violates multiple provisions of the United States Constitution.
FAC Spokesperson Teresa Bond explained, “this is not just another challenge to one law or one ordinance. This case asks the courts to recognize what has become increasingly obvious over the past three decades: Florida’s registry is no longer a civil regulatory system. It has become a lifetime system of punishment that reaches far beyond any sentence imposed by a judge.”
The lawsuit alleges that Florida’s registration scheme, together with the network of local ordinances adopted throughout the state, imposes severe and continuing restrictions on where individuals may live, travel, work, and even be present. It further alleges that the cumulative effect of these laws amounts to banishment, perpetual supervision, and punishment long after individuals have completed their court-imposed sentences.
Among the constitutional claims raised in the lawsuit are allegations that Florida’s laws violate:
- The Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment;
- The Constitution’s Ex Post Facto Clause by retroactively increasing punishment;
- The fundamental constitutional right to interstate travel;
- Due process through vague and undefined criminal prohibitions;
- The First Amendment by restricting protected speech in public places.
Unlike prior litigation that has challenged individual provisions of Florida law, this lawsuit takes a comprehensive approach by asking the court to evaluate the registry as it exists today – not as it existed decades ago when courts first considered these issues. The complaint details how repeated legislative amendments have transformed Florida’s registry from a recordkeeping system into one of the most restrictive registration schemes in the nation.
The complaint also documents the practical consequences experienced by FAC’s members, including widespread housing instability, barriers to employment, restrictions on family life, obstacles to travel, and high rates of homelessness created by overlapping state and local residency restrictions.
FAC emphasized that the lawsuit does not seek to excuse criminal conduct or diminish the seriousness of sexual offenses. “People who commit crimes should be held accountable” explained Bond, “but once a sentence has been imposed and served, the Constitution still matters. Public safety and constitutional rights are not mutually exclusive. This lawsuit asks the courts to reaffirm that there are limits on how far government may go in continuing to punish people long after they have paid their debt to society.”
The organization noted that the litigation has been developed over many months with the assistance of nationally recognized constitutional litigators and is expected to address legal questions that have never before been presented together in a single challenge to Florida’s current registry system.
As with any major constitutional litigation, FAC expects the case to proceed through multiple levels of judicial review before a final resolution is reached.
A COPY OF THE COMPLAINT CAN BE READ HERE: FAC v Glass ET AL
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I HAVE A QUESTION?
If you want to move out of florida permanently, do you have to give them your new address and state? WTF is it their business if you’re leaving this POS state?
Then they are going to list it on their website so people here know where you have gone to?
The whole reason I want out of florida is So no one in this POS state can use the registry here and find where I’ve gone to keep harassing me!
What if I move out of the country, Can I just “flip” off florida?
Sorry if I sound pissed, 30+ years on this crap and the only changes made are that it was Nothing like my plea bargain stated.
They keep changing it and add whatever they want and when they want to it! What if I decide I want to change it and not do what I said I would in the plea bargain, they will arrest me, but they can make changes to court ordered plea??? WTF People
Seriously, I thought a plea bargain was a legal contract between you and the state, so how can they get away with changing it, but I can’t?
Since mt plea in 1996 they added so much more crap for me to do from the original plea, isn’t that illegal.
That’s why I want out of here. I shake and have panic attacks every time cops come to my house. I served in the USMC and never had PTSD till this!
I’m 65, I know FAC is doing the best they can, but by the time this is ever “fixed” I won’t be around anymore.
Arnold
Don’t feel so bad brother, most if not all of us go screwed. I was retroactively applied to the registry in 1997 while my charges were from 1991. The day I arrived home from Prison; I was told to immediately go to the sheriff’s office (Or if it was too late the next business day) and report and register. It was a horrible experience and was detained for almost 3 hours of questions.
Once I was finally off probation, I moved to another county that I have lived in now for 20 years and have never had another bad experience at my registration location. (That does not mean I agree being on the registry for almost 30 years now, or any time period for that matter)
We all on FAC agree that the registry is likened to the Double Jeopardy scheme, but we are brain washed to believe it is just an administrative gift they have given us that none of us deserved or wanted.
Lastly, please, please do your research, as I have seen people leave Florida and end up being in an even worse scenario. I wish you luck and prayers for your journey. I was not born in Florida but will probably die here.
Found out that New Mexico is way easier than Florida. It is one of the easiest states to be in.
But truth be told, was thinking of going out of the USA. Shit, (and I say this part being a Marine that proudly served for my country) I would turn communist and move to Korea or China to get away from the bullshit that they do to us.
I’ll even go to the darkest forest of Africa.
I have had it here.
I know it will never happen, but Mexico, Dominican Republic, I don’t care what 3rd world country. I speak 4 languages and been dying to just live out my last years in God dam peace.
I’m tired of the BS and the fear of constantly wondering if I made a mistake or they changed something and didn’t know it. Every time I see a cop, I have shakes and my heart rate goes through the roof.
A – I too feel the same trapped Ness as all the pre registry feel. I would move out the US tomorrow, but I have 3 grown kids, a wife and 89-year-old pop. Just got to hang on. We should have some idea of the case FAC filed and how it will be handled. For me if takes too much longer I will be able to apply to get off. I have 12 more times to report. Really shouldn’t but what can we do but wait.
Would love to speak with you
Military members all please! Got some milirary members in media.
[email protected]
Email! Need stories to keep record
Ok, I’ll email you
Hi Arnold
Let’s be honest here there are other states way better than Florida. I live out here in the southwest some levels are treated like Florida I am not saying you nor applying it to you. If a person is lvl 3 a high risk there is that 1000-foot rule I am a lvl 2 I have been clean for over 10 years. Actually 16 years and the 1000 foot rule doesn’t apply to me
Do I want to test that theory? Hell No! I report in once a year to sheriff office and dmv Unless I move
My Case is somewhat similar to others…. 19 years old the year 1989. Convicted in 91. They passed the law in 1995, When I was released, I was told to report here and there. I can’t do probation
I got out of that state in 2011!
I give FAC permission to give you, my email. I can give you more information where I am and city and state and give you my landlord’s name and number through email
I must warn you this is desert– Extreme Heat 112 -115 In the shade as well! No moister and hardly any humidity that is the southern half of this state
So who would I need to talk to about getting taken off the sex offender registry? 30 plus years after my time in prison and on parole and I still have to register in florida and the crime happen in New York and I wouldn’t have to register in that state any more so why do I have to here in Florida?
You can read Florida Statute 943.0435(11) and do it Pro Se, or you can contact a licensed attorney to represent you in a removal petition. The attorney referenced in the post, Ron Kleiner, is recommended, but we have no horse in the race and you can go with any attorney you like.
FAC
Funny you mentioned Pro se. I tried that and the court refused me and stated I have to get a lawyer, or they would not hear the case. Wasted an entire day at the courthouse only to be told come back when you have representation. I never did get a reason I could not represent myself as I felt confident as I have a degree in the subject and am well-spoken and confident in front of large crowds.
If you do go in on pro se and you lose, you might not get another shot so many that is why the judge stated that for me because most of the time in Florida, you get one shot to be removed and if denied that might be your last shot at removal. But on the flip side, no guarantee any lawyer for any crime is a slam dunk.
Cherokee, your statement, “If you do go in on pro se and you lose, you might not get another shot so many that is why the judge stated that for me because most of the time in Florida, you get one shot to be removed and if denied that might be your last shot at removal.” is inaccurate. Please cite your source for this claim or withdraw your comment.
Call lawyer Ron Kleiner (954) 540-0170
I live in florida. I am in Bonifay, Florida now. I am just trying to find out why I still have to register as a sex offender in Florida when the crime and time was in New York, I have been off parole for 30 years and never got another charge for any sex crimes, what can I do to get taken off the registry?
You can petition for removal if you have no other ARRESTS. If that’s your situation, call Attorney Ron Kleiner (844-RON-WINS (844-766-9467))
Not asking for Legal advice .. Does all restitution and court costs have to be paid before a request is made for removal?
No
Can you rly get off Florida registry? We are looking to move to Florida (for winters) in about five years. I’ll be 65, 20 years post conviction, tier two in Ohio, 18 years post release. No further arrests, reassessment in 2021 no/low risk.
Yes, but you would need to have a few more years without any arrest before you are eligible to petition (and provided the underlying offense qualifies).
I refer you to Florida Statute, 943.0435(11) for reference.
Snowbird
Here in Florida, the registry is for life. Yes, a pathway off was created but it is up to the judge and if you get denied, that can really suck. Lots of people have regretted moving here but the pros and cons depending on where in Florida you live. If you think things are worse where you are now, might be worth the chance but it is a toss-up and a gamble for some.
If you move here, please join F.A.C as they are doing great things to make things better. Blessing to you and your family. Jack
Yes asking questions leads to results if the knowledge is right. FAC has not steered me wrong so far at all say it like it is. Call for help!! Get off this trap!!
Brian
FAC is correct, it is NOT automatic. You have to hire an attorney for relief of registration and even with a lawyer, no guarantees of relief.
Congratuations for standing up Florida. In the State of California, many Registrants are starting to stand up too.