The Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators registry was created in October 1993 for sexual predators. It was expanded to include sexual offenders in 1997. It included those who were convicted and released on or after October 1, 1993.

Many people who have committed crimes before the list was created were also added.

“It’s reaching pretty far back. We have people, who are register, who committed their crimes in the 80’s,” said Anne M. Patterson, Asst. State Attorney.

Patterson explained to Channel 3’s Jackalyn Kovac, the date of the crimes doesn’t determine whether someone is on the list. It’s the date they are released, or finish parole and supervision that matters.

“No matter when their crime was committed, if they were still involved in the penalty of the crime at the time the law was passed, then they have to register,” Patterson said.

When Kovac talked with Rep. Clay Ingram, he questioned whether those convicted, but left off the list, was a potential loophole and believes it’s never been addressed.

“It’s a tool that, I use, as a parent. And then to put the lawmaker hat on, I’m a little surprised that this is a, I don’t know if you call it a loophole, but this is something that hasn’t been addressed yet,” Ingram said.

Ingram knows other parents frequent the Florida Department of Law Enforcement websitewhen choosing a school, neighborhood or even a vacation destination and he hopes the issue can be addressed, after the election.

“Obviously this is very early in the process and we can’t do anything until after the election. But it’s something, at first glance, seems like something I would support. But I got to make sure there aren’t questions I’m not thinking of, in the heat of the moment, that aren’t being answered,” Ingram said.

Ingram explained it would take at least a year to create a bill and get it passed, if all sides agreed. Right now three is nothing like it in front of lawmakers.

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