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1. What is the difference between a predator and an offender?
   A sexual predator is a person who was convicted of a serious sexual crime against a minor (under 18 years of age) or an adult, and who was declared to be a “sexual predator” by the court.  Because these sexual predators are no longer incarcerated, the law (FSS 775.21) requires they initially register with either the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE, Tallahassee), or with the local Sheriff’s Office.  A person classified as a sexual predator is so classified for life, unless his/her civil rights are restored, or the conviction is overturned, or they receive a full pardon.  See F.S.S. 775.21(3) for additional information regarding sexual predators The sex offender designation applies to any listed sex offense, regardless of the date the offense was committed, for which an offender is being released from prison or probation on or after October 1, 1997.
2. Where can I obtain a list and photographs of sexual predators and offenders for my area?
   This information may be obtained on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) website at www.fdle.state.fl.us.  FDLE is required to place all registered sexual predators and offenders who qualify under the Florida Public Safety Information Act (PSIA) on the Internet.  Flyers will contain a photo, a physical description, and address for each subject.
3. Why was I not notified of a sexual predator/offender in my area?
   Under Florida law, local law enforcement is mandated to notify the community of the presence of a sexual predator and is authorized, but not mandated, to notify the community of the presence of a sexual offender.  It is up to the agency to determine who is included in the “community” and how they will be notified. The local sheriff’s office and police department are required to notify public schools and licensed day care centers of any sexual predators living with a 1 mile radius of that school or day care.  They must do so within 48 hours of being notified by FDLE of the address of the sexual predators.  The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office actually goes above and beyond meeting the requirements dictated by statute and notifies public schools and licensed day care centers within a mile and a half.  Additionally, the Sheriffs Office conducts reverse 911 calls to residents who live within a mile and a half of sexual predators.
4. There is a sexual predator/offender in our area that I believe is still coming in contact with children. What should I do?
   The Sheriff’s Office Sexual Predator and Offender Unit can be contacted at 247-0590 or 247-0592 and they will investigate the matter.  The FDLE can also be contacted and advised of this information.
5. There is a registered sexual predator/offender that is living/working across the street from a school, playgrounds, day care center.  Is this allowed?
   There is a law (FSS 794.065) that prevents sex offenders/predators from living within 1000 feet of a school, daycare center, park, or playground. This law ONLY applies to persons convicted of a sex crime that occurred AFTER October 1, 2004 and where the victim was less than 16 years of age.
6. The FDLE web page has the wrong address for a sexual predator/offender, what should I do?
   Contact the FDLE Sexual Offender & Predator Unit at 1-888-357-7332 or 1-888-FL-PREDATOR and provide any pertinent information you may have regarding the offender/predator’s address.  An FDLE analyst will contact the probation/parole officer of the subject, if applicable to verify the address change.   If the subject is not under the control or supervision of the Florida Department of Correction, the analyst will notify local law enforcement to conduct address verification.
7. What legal restrictions are sexual predators required to meet?
   Each predator is required to have either a driver’s license or a state identification card. After the initial registration, if the predator moves to another address, he/she must have the D/L (or I.D.) officially changed within 48 hours. Failure to do so is a third degree felony.   Many predators are under court-ordered supervision (e.g.-probation, or community control), and are required to meet certain written conditions. A violation of a condition could result in an arrest, and a conviction could send him/her to prison. Depending on the facts of the case, some predators may be required to avoid contact with children, unless the contact is supervised and appropriate. Some predators have completed their sentences and are no longer under such control. However, they must abide by the registration and address change provisions, or else face a felony charge.
8. Are all predators/offenders violent?
   No. To become classified as a sexual predator/offender, one could have been convicted of any of a number of crimes. Some crimes involve physical violence, and some don’t. However, all are deemed by the courts, based on previous behaviors, to represent a potential threat to certain persons (for example – those under 18 years of age).
9. What can I do to protect my family/neighborhood?
   Some predators may attempt to have illegal contact with children, and those so motivated will seek an opportunity.   Parents / guardians should always supervise small children. Older, more independent children should be reasonably supervised, and, if possible, not travel alone.   The law prohibits you from uttering threats, trespassing, and/or assaulting another, except in defense of yourself or another. However, you are not prohibited from being vigilant of the predator’s conduct, visitors, and/or any suspicious behavior. You are encouraged to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to report any acts which you believe constitute a threat to anyone.
10. How may I learn more about sexual predators?
    The law (FSS 775.21 [7]) provides specific guidelines to law enforcement deputies / officers regarding what information may be released regarding a specific sexual predator. For example, the law prohibits releasing the name(s) of the victim, and regarding the victim, may only advise you if the victim was a minor or adult, at the time of the crime.  However, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a website which includes a listing of all state-classified predators is:  www.fdle.state.fl.us  (then click) “Predators and Offenders”, and select “Hillsborough” if you wish to view only those residing in Hillsborough County.

FDLE also has a toll free telephone number, 1-888-FL-PREDATOR (1-888-357-7332), 24-hours a day, for those without Internet access.

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