Under the current laws, PAROLED registered sex offenders in the state of Florida are restricted from participating in Halloween activities such as distribution of candy and wearing Halloween costumes. This reflects the message legislators are trying to convey that RSOs are to continue to be excluded from society.
Other states also participate in “No Candy” laws. North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas all prohibit the passing out of candy and even demand that sex offenders post signs indicating there is no candy to be found in their homes. Not only does the law exclude SOs from participating in a holiday that could help reintroduce them into society, but posting signs may also give away the residence of a RSO. This could lead to potential acts of vandalism, harassment and assault against sex offenders. An example would be the beating of an Orlando SO by three teenage boys and the killing of his dog. The discernable recognition of his group home led to his assault. One of the assailants admitted to knowing his registered status and objected to his presence in the community.
Despite the fear of more sexual crimes being committed on Halloween because of the propensity of children visiting stranger’s homes, the opposite is said to be true. The National Incident-Based Reporting System has noted that there is no increase in sexually based crimes at the time of the holiday.
As such, society should answer one question. If there is no notable spike in sex crimes during Halloween, to what purpose are RSOs restricted and ostracized from participating in one of the most popular holidays in society? Their legal exclusion sends the message that they not welcome in their community. This message is far too dangerous to continue to propagate.
Where do I find current rules for sex offenders not on probation for Pasco and Pinellas County Florida?
Next thing you know RSO’s will not be able to put out Christmas decorations either, yet another ALL ages holiday. Smh!
Please note the Duval County ordinance which covers ALL holidays and no decorations.
@Muriel & Troy,
Actually, it’s more egregious than that. Strict interpretation, which is how LEOs operate, shows that it’s a 365-day prohibition on any festive activities:
Sec. 685.104. – Prohibited Activities for Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators; Exceptions.
(a)Prohibitions and requirements for Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators; Exemption.
(1) It is unlawful for any Sexual Offender or Sexual Predator to participate in any practice or event, including, but not limited to, any event related to a nationally or locally recognized holiday or seasonal event, if such practice or event is primarily targeted toward non-familial children.
(3)(iv)Not place or allow any display, including but not limited to displays for any nationally or locally recognized holiday or seasonal event or practice, to be visible from the exterior of any Sexual Offender’s or Sexual Predator’s residence, including a vehicle or vessel, or on any property which is leased, rented, owned or occupied by such person, if such display is primarily targeted to entice, attract, or lure a child onto any residence or property, or onto or nearer to any vehicle or vessel rented, owned or occupied by such person.
Enforcement of this section shall not be limited to the actual calendar date of any given nationally or locally recognized holiday or seasonal event or practice.
https://library.municode.com/fl/jacksonville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITXIXPUSA_CH685SEOFSEPRRE_S685.104PRACSEOFSEPREX
My neighbor is a sex offender, not on a child but on an adult. I live in Florida he’s allowed to pass out candy and participate but I think it’s wrong that states do try to force the no Halloween for Sex Offenders as he has three children 9 Year old boy, 5 Year old boy and 3 Year old girl he is a single father has his wife has passed away in October of 2014 now if they was to passed a law like “No Halloween for Sex Offenders” including for people who are off of probation I guess that means his children is being punished as well. Don’t make don’t sense to me, Especially when no kids in the history of Halloween have ever reported being abused and over 75% of people on the registry are on there because they were a family member or a close friend of the person they raped.
This depends on your crime codes, staus and county and city ordinances you live in florida. To be safe Registered Citizens should not partake in Halloween activities in my opinion even if they are allowed to do so.
To be safe, NOONE should participate in Halloween activiities. While there is empirically, no increased danger from sexual offenders, there is dandger from car drivers, possibilitiy of mailicious poisoning or othe mailicious alterations to treats, I.E. pins, needles, etc.Bullying by older kids and adults.
I agree either all or none. In fact it is unlawful for any American citizen to be restricted in anyway.
Cities make restrictive laws but can’t make it worse than the state and the state can’t make laws more restrictive than federal- but no one can make a law restricting anyone for any reason that is stricter than what the constitution allows
14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Civil Rights (1868)
AMENDMENT XIV
Section 1.
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.