Thomas C. Grajek | October 13, 2025 | Sex Crimes
In Florida, defendants convicted of most sex offenses have to register with local law enforcement and keep their information updated. This information – like their address, photograph, and charges – goes on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) online registry, which is open for anyone to see.
Sex Offenders Are Generally Not Required To Notify Neighbors and Employers
The state of Florida generally does not make offenders go door-to-door to tell neighbors themselves, although the registry means neighbors may look them up. Certain restrictions or court orders can require extra steps, often if someone is still under supervision.
Employers may discover someone’s status through routine background checks, but the law does not require registrants to tell employers directly in most typical situations.
Law Enforcement Should Notify Neighbors
Under Florida law, the police must inform local communities when a registered sex offender moves into the neighborhood. This goes beyond the information just being available on the website.
Officers might hand out fliers or, in some situations, go door-to-door to share the information directly with people who live nearby. They may also decide to notify schools in the neighborhood or local employers in the area.
Residency, Employment, and Travel Restrictions
Registered sex offenders face many rules that affect where they can live and work. These rules are meant to protect public safety, but they often make life challenging for people trying to move forward.
Restrictions sex offenders may face in Florida include:
- Residency rules: Most states, including Florida, do not allow registered offenders to live within 1,000 feet of places where children gather, like schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, or parks. In some cities and counties, these restrictions can be even tighter than state laws. This means there are fewer places available, and finding housing becomes difficult.
- Employment barriers: Offenders can no longer take jobs that involve regular contact with children. Jobs like teacher, daycare staff, or coach are almost always off-limits. Even jobs that are not focused on children can be harder to get because of being on the registry.
- Travel restrictions: If you are a registered sex offender in Florida and you plan to travel outside the state, you must let the county sheriff know at least 48 hours ahead of time. Some people may need to notify a state agency or probation officer, depending on whether they are still being supervised.
If you want to go to another country, federal law requires you to give authorities at least 21 days’ notice before leaving. Skipping these steps can result in felony charges and even time in federal prison.
Information Shared on the Sex Offender Registry
If someone has to register as a sex offender, there are several pieces of personal information that must be reported to law enforcement and made available to the public (in part or in whole) on the official registry.
This includes:
- Sex crime committed
- Legal name and other names used
- Residence details
- Where you work or go to school
- Vehicles owned or used often
- Email addresses and social media names
While you don’t have to go door-to-door and notify neighbors, the above information is typically readily available for anyone who decides to search the website.
There Are Serious Consequences for Breaking These Rules
Not reporting or updating this information is a big deal. Anyone who doesn’t comply can face felony charges and up to 5 years in state prison. If you or someone you know needs to understand what to report or how the system operates, always start by seeking advice from an attorney.
For more information, please contact the Lakeland Sex Crimes attorneys at Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a consultation. We serve all areas in Lakeland, Polk County, and throughout Florida.
Visit our convenient location:
Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys
112 E Poinsettia St
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 688-4606