Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Sex Offender Registration and Monitoring: Statewide Requirements, Local Practices, and Monitoring Procedures

Report 15-16, December 2015

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Report Summary

  • Since OPPAGA's first statutorily required review of sex offender registration in 2005, the number of registered sex offenders in Florida communities has grown by 44% to more than 26,000 offenders. Sheriffs' offices monitor all registered sex offenders and are meeting their statutory requirements for offender registration, address verification, and public notification.
  • Additionally, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) supervises offenders sentenced to community supervision and those who have been conditionally released from prison. Sex offenders under FDC supervision are supervised at the highest risk level which entails frequent one-on-one contact between a probation officer and offender. Some supervised offenders are placed on electronic monitoring for enhanced monitoring and supervision.
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains Florida's sex offender registry. In addition to other information, sex offenders are required to report if they are enrolled or employed at an institution of higher learning and this information is included on FDLE's registry. Our review found this information to be out-of-date for some offenders. Offenders also must attempt to obtain valid state identification cards; however, some are unable to obtain the cards either because they lack the needed documentation or money to pay required fees. Sheriffs' offices have implemented the 30-day transient reporting requirement and report that the more frequent reporting improves accountability. However, the reporting requirement is not tracked consistently throughout the state. Transient offenders continue to be difficult for law enforcement to monitor.

Related Reports
  1. Sex Offender Registration and Monitoring Triennial Review - 2021
    Report 21-10 December 2021
  2. Sex Offender Registration and Monitoring Triennial Review - 2018
    Report 18-08 December 2018
  3. Registered Sex Offenders in Florida Communities Increased to Over 23,000; Transient Offenders Present Challenges
    Report 12-12 December 2012
  4. Sex Offender Registration and Public Notification Improved; Some Aspects of the Process Could Be Streamlined
    Report 08-60 October 2008
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
sex offender, sexual predator, sex offender registration, transient sex offender, electronic monitoring