FAQs – Offender Housing

Frequently Asked Questions.

Sex offenders are the only class of felony offenders in Florida that have sanctions after their incarceration sentence is served. In order to prevent arrest and/or a violation of probation, it is critical to know what laws, release conditions, and restrictions apply to sex offenders. Not all laws and restrictions will apply to every sex offender. Conditions and restrictions are imposed on a case-by-case basis but the sentencing court and the Florida Department of Corrections (FL-DOC).

The laws, probation conditions, and restrictions a registered sex offender must comply with can be exhaustive and confusing. In this section, we’re going to be thorough as we can and cite the statutes that apply. We encourage sex offenders and their loved ones to dive deep into this section to fully understand what is expected of a sex offender who has been released back into their community. Without further adieu, let’s get started.

*** This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as legal advice. Please consult an attorney if you need legal advice. ***

Probation Monthly Report Sex Offender Driving Log

Housing Questions

Why do we provide Sex Offenders housing?

Offender Housing believes that once an offender has completed their sentence and complies with post-sentence conditions, they should not be discriminated against. They deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives after incarceration. Finding sex offender-compliant housing is very challenging, as a result, many sex offenders find themselves homeless. Homeless sex offenders are harder to manage and supervise and therefore pose a higher risk to the community. Our goal is to keep our communities safe through compliance and close management of our clients.

Are you a halfway or sober living house?

Offender Housing is not a halfway or sober living house. We are an independent-living program for self-sustaining adults who are registered sex offenders. Our clients are able to care for themselves, manage their own money, prepare their own meals, etc.

What is a shared room?

A shared room is a double-occupancy room that two clients share. It is furnished with two twin beds, a dresser for each client, nightstands, lamps, and flat-screen TVs in a space suitable for two clients. Unlike other companies who provide housing for sex offenders, we do not cram 3 or 4 clients into one room. Double occupancy is the maximum number of clients we will house in one room.

Shared rooms start at $450 per month, including utilities, access to the kitchen, and access to laundry. Perfectly suited for budget-conscience clients.

Cable and/or Internet services are available at the client’s expense. Some clients may share this cost with other clients in the house that do not have restrictions for Internet usage.

What is a private room?

A private room is a single-occupancy room. It is furnished with either a twin or full-size bed, a dresser, a nightstand, a lamp, and flat-screen TV. Some private rooms are available with a private bathroom. Private rooms have a keyed doorknob for the security of your personal property. Private rooms are our most popular housing solution.

Private rooms start at $500 per month and include utilities, access to the kitchen, and access to laundry. Perfectly suited for individuals.

Cable and/or Internet services are available at the client’s expense. Some clients may share this cost with other clients in the house that do not have restrictions for Internet usage.

What is a suite?

A suite is a single-occupancy room. It is furnished with either a twin or full-size bed, a dresser, a nightstand, a lamp, and flat-screen TV. Suites feature a private bathroom. Suites have a keyed doorknob for the security of your personal property.

Suites start at $850 per month and include utilities with access to laundry.

Cable and/or Internet services are available at the client’s expense. Some clients may share this cost with other clients in the house that do not have restrictions for Internet usage.

What is a house sublet?

A house sublet is a private house that is rented in its entirety. It comes unfurnished, so you’re able to put your own styling cues to your liking. Sublets have a keyed doorknob for the security of your personal property.

Sublets start at $2,200 per month for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home and do not include utilities. Perfectly suited for couples or small families.

Cable and/or Internet services are available at the client’s expense.

What is a financial sponsor?

A financial sponsor is a family member, loved one, or agency that pays the move-in costs and/or rent on behalf of a client. Having a financial sponsor is typical for clients recently released from incarceration. This offers the client secured housing while they find gainful employment, or are reinstated on social security retirement or disability benefits.

Are guests allowed?

Guests over the age of 18 are permitted to visit until 10 PM. No guest under the age of 18 is permitted on Offender Housing property. Overnight guests must have the pre-approval of Offender Housing management.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are allowed on a case-by-case basis with pre-approved from Offender Housing management. Certain breeds and weigh of pets are prohibited. A pet deposit may be required at the discretion of management.

Sex Offender Laws

Who must register as a "Sex Offender"?

A person must register as a “Sex Offender” if they have been convicted of a qualifying sexual offense in Florida or another jurisdiction. Qualifying adult offenses include:

Souce: Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Who must register as a "Sexual Predator"?

A sexual predator is an individual who has been convicted of a sexually violent offense as defined in Florida Statute 775.21 (which may include offenses from another jurisdiction)
AND
has a written court order designating the individual a sexual predator;
OR
An individual who is civilly committed under the Florida Jimmy Ryce Sexually Violent Predator Act
AND
has a written court order designating the individual as a sexual predator.

Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement

How long must a Sex Offender register for?

A person convicted in the State of Florida for a sex crime is required to register as a Sex Offender for life, regardless of the seriousness of their crime.

Some sex offenders can petition the sentencing court to be removed from the registry after 20 years provided they have not been convicted of any additional misdemeanors or felony charges. Certain restrictions apply. The original offense can not consist of sexual battery, a lewd and lascivious offense committed in front of someone under the age of 16, sexual performance by a child, computer pornography, or prohibited computer use or traveling to meet a minor. The defendant was within four years of the age of their victim when the victim was 14 – 17 years old. The crime must have been committed on or after July 1st. 2007.

How many times a year must a Sex Offender register?

Sexual offenders must complete a registration form at their county sheriff’s office either twice a year (birth month and every 6th month thereafter) or four times a year (birth month and every 3rd month thereafter) depending upon their offense. For a list of qualifying offenses for quarterly registration (four times a year) please refer to Florida Statute 943.0435(14)(b).

All sexual predators, some sexual offenders, and all juvenile sexual offenders must report four times a year (birth month and every 3rd month thereafter).

Sexual offenders/predators must update their driver’s

license or identification card within 48 hours after any change to their residence (permanent, temporary or transient) or name.

Sexual offenders/predators MUST maintain registration for the duration of their life.

All qualifying sexual offenders, sexual predators, and juvenile sexual offenders will be listed on the public registry website.

Souce: Florida Department of Law Enforcement

How much does it cost to register as a Sex Offender?

Sex Offender and Sexual Predator registration for Orange County, FL. residents are conducted at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), located at 2500 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL. 32804. At the time of this writing, OCSO does not charge a fee for offender registration.

However, other counties and jurisdictions do charge a fee for registration. For example, Indian River County charges $50.00 for offender registration.

What information must a Sex Offender report?

Florida sexual offenders are required to report to the local sheriff’s office 48 hours after release from incarceration. Offenders must report any relevant changes within 48 hours of occurring. Sexual offenders in Florida are required to provide the following information:

Full name
Date of birth
Social Security Number
Sex
Race
Current photo
Height
Weight
Hair and eye color
Tattoos and other identifying marks
Fingerprints
Palm prints
Current address or location (if they are homeless)
Employment and occupation
Vehicle information, including all vehicle parked at the offender’s residence
All phone numbers, including home and mobile phone numbers.

What is the "1,000-foot" law?

Florida Statute 775.215(2)(a) states: A person convicted of a violation of §794.011 (Sexual Battery), §800.04 (Lewd and Lascivious offenses), §827.071 (Sexual Performance of a Child), §847.0135(5) (Computer Pornography where the victim is under 16 years of age), or §847.0145 (Selling or Buying of Minors), regardless of whether adjudication has been withheld, in which the victim of the offense was less than 16 years of age, may not reside within 1,000 feet of any school, child care facility, park, or playground.

However a person does not violate this subsection and may not be forced to relocate if he or she is living in a residence that meets the requirements of this subsection and a school, childcare facility, park, or playground is subsequently established within 1,000 feet of his or her residence.

Florida Statute 775.215(2)(c) states: This subsection applies to any person convicted of a violation [of the offenses listed above] for offenses that occur on or after October 1, 2004, excluding persons who have been removed from the requirement to register as a sexual offender or sexual predator pursuant to §943.04354.

Source: The Florida Senate

What is the "Romeo & Juliet" law?

Florida Statute 943.04354, “Removal of the requirement to register as a sexual offender or sexual predator under certain circumstances” is commonly referred to as the “Romeo & Juliet” law. This law allows certain offenders who specifically meet the criteria of the statute to petition the court for relief from the requirement to register as a sexual offender/predator. Several criteria are specified including: the victim in the case was at least 13 and not more than 17 years of age, is no more than four years younger than the offender, and the sexual activity was consensual. The qualifying offense must be the only sex crime on the offender’s record requiring registration. Please see the complete statutory text (F.S. 943.04354) for further details.

Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement

What are the work restrictions?

Florida registered sexual offenders are not allowed to work at businesses where children are typically present, such as schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds, theme parks, and other play areas and facilities frequented by children.

Sex offenders face significant challenges in finding stable jobs. Given state and local limitations, they have a hard time finding employers willing to hire individuals who are on the registry. Furthermore, reputable companies conduct in-depth employment background checks to verify prospective employees, meaning offenders are typically left with the lowest-paying jobs even if they are educated and qualified.

Source: Screen & Reveal, Ivana Shteriova

Sex Offender Probation Conditions

Effective for probationers or community controllees whose crime was committed on or after October 1, 1995

Qualifying offenses for Sex Offender probation?

Effective for probationers or community controllees whose crime was committed on or after October 1, 1995, and who are placed under supervision for a violation of chapter 794 (Sexual Battery), s. 800.04 (Lewd & Lascivious Offenders), s. 827.071 (Child Pornography), s. 847.0135(5) (Certain Computer Transmissions), or s. 847.0145 (Selling or Buying of Minors),
OR
whose crime was committed on or after July 1, 2021, and who are placed under supervision for a violation of s. 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g) (Human Trafficking), the court must impose the following conditions in addition to all other standard and special conditions imposed

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(1)

What are the costs of probation?

Probationers and community controllees will be responsible to pay court costs, cost of supervision, electronic monitoring (If applicable), restitution, and/or sex offender group therapy fees. The monthly account that will be due for each of these expenses is determined on a case-by-case basis but could add up to several hundred a month.

Some of these probation costs can be waived or reduced at the discretion of the offender’s probation officer. Offenders who are unemployed, receiving SSI or SSDI, or VA benefits should show their probation officer their benefit letter and request that these costs be waived or reduced.

What is the mandatory curfew condition?

[Probationers and community controllees must comply with] a mandatory curfew from 10 PM to 6 AM. The court may designate another 8-hour period if the offender’s employment precludes the above specified time, and the alternative is recommended by the Department of Corrections. If the court determines that imposing a curfew would endanger the victim, the court may consider alternative sanctions.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(1)(a)

What is the 1,000-foot residency condition?

If the victim was under the age of 18, a prohibition on living within 1,000 feet of a school, child care facility, park, playground, or other place where children regularly congregate, as prescribed by the court. The 1,000-foot distance shall be measured in a straight line from the offender’s place of residence to the nearest boundary line of the school, child care facility, park, playground, or other place where children congregate. The distance may not be measured by a pedestrian route or automobile route.[…]

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(1)(b)

What is the treatment requirement condition?

Active participation in and successful completion of a sex offender treatment program with qualified practitioners specifically trained to treat sex offenders, at the probationer’s or community controllee’s own expense. If a qualified practitioner is not available within a 50-mile radius of the probationer’s or community controllee’s residence, the offender shall participate in other appropriate therapy.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(1)(c)

What is the no victim contact condition?

A prohibition on any contact with the victim, directly or indirectly, including through a third person, unless approved by the victim, a qualified practitioner in the sexual offender treatment program, and the sentencing court.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(1)(d)

What is the no minor contact condition?

If the victim was under the age of 18, a prohibition on contact with a child under the age of 18 except as provided in this paragraph. The court may approve supervised contact with a child under the age of 18 if the approval is based upon a recommendation for contact issued by a qualified practitioner who is basing the recommendation on a risk assessment. Further, the sex offender must be currently enrolled in or have successfully completed a sex offender therapy program. The court may not grant supervised contact with a child if the contact is not recommended by a qualified practitioner and may deny supervised contact with a child at any time. When considering whether to approve supervised contact with a child, the court must review and consider the following:

1. A risk assessment completed by a qualified practitioner. The qualified practitioner must prepare a written report that must include the findings of the assessment and address each of the following components:

a. The sex offender’s current legal status;

b. The sex offender’s history of adult charges with apparent sexual motivation;

c. The sex offender’s history of adult charges without apparent sexual motivation;

d. The sex offender’s history of juvenile charges, whenever available;

e. The sex offender’s offender treatment history, including consultations with the sex offender’s treating, or most recent treating, therapist;

f. The sex offender’s current mental status;

g. The sex offender’s mental health and substance abuse treatment history as provided by the Department of Corrections;

h. The sex offender’s personal, social, educational, and work history;

i. The results of current psychological testing of the sex offender if determined necessary by the qualified practitioner;

j. A description of the proposed contact, including the location, frequency, duration, and supervisory arrangement;

k. The child’s preference and relative comfort level with the proposed contact, when age appropriate;

l. The parent’s or legal guardian’s preference regarding the proposed contact; and

m. The qualified practitioner’s opinion, along with the basis for that opinion, as to whether the proposed contact would likely pose a significant risk of emotional or physical harm to the child.

The written report of the assessment must be given to the court;

2. A recommendation made as a part of the risk assessment report as to whether supervised contact with the child should be approved;

3. A written consent signed by the child’s parent or legal guardian, if the parent or legal guardian is not the sex offender, agreeing to the sex offender having supervised contact with the child after receiving full disclosure of the sex offender’s present legal status, past criminal history, and the results of the risk assessment. The court may not approve contact with the child if the parent or legal guardian refuses to give written consent for supervised contact;

4. A safety plan prepared by the qualified practitioner, who provides treatment to the offender, in collaboration with the sex offender, the child’s parent or legal guardian, if the parent or legal guardian is not the sex offender, and the child, when age-appropriate, which details the acceptable conditions of contact between the sex offender and the child. The safety plan must be reviewed and approved by the court; and

5. Evidence that the child’s parent or legal guardian understands the need for and agrees to the safety plan and has agreed to provide, or to designate another adult to provide, constant supervision any time the child is in contact with the offender.

The court may not appoint a person to conduct a risk assessment and may not accept a risk assessment from a person who has not demonstrated to the court that he or she has met the requirements of a qualified practitioner as defined in this section.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(1)(e)

What is the employment restrictios condition?

If the victim was under age 18, a prohibition on working for pay or as a volunteer at any place where children regularly congregate, including, but not limited to, schools, child care facilities, parks, playgrounds, pet stores, libraries, zoos, theme parks, and malls.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(1)(f)

What is the pornography prohibition condition?

Unless otherwise indicated in the treatment plan provided by a qualified practitioner in the sexual offender treatment program, a prohibition on viewing, accessing, owning, or possessing any obscene, pornographic, or sexually stimulating visual or auditory material, including telephone, electronic media, computer programs, or computer services that are relevant to the offender’s deviant behavior pattern.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(1)(g)

What is the Internet restriction condition?

Effective for probationers and community controllees whose crime is committed on or after July 1, 2005, a prohibition on accessing the Internet or other computer services until a qualified practitioner in the offender’s sex offender treatment program, after a risk assessment is completed, approves and implements a safety plan for the offender’s accessing or using the Internet or other computer services.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(1)(h)

What is the warrantless search condition?

Submission to a warrantless search by the community control or probation officer of the probationer’s or community controllee’s person, residence, or vehicle.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(k)

Sex Offender Probation Conditions

Effective for probationers or community controllees whose crime was committed on or after October 1, 1997

Qualifiying offenses for Sex Offender Probation?

Effective for a probationer or community controllee whose crime was committed on or after October 1, 1997, and who is placed on community control or sex offender probation for a violation of chapter 794, s. 800.04, s. 827.071, s. 847.0135(5), or s. 847.0145, or whose crime was committed on or after July 1, 2021, and who is placed on community control or sex offender probation for a violation of s. 787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g), in addition to any other provision of this section, the court must impose the following conditions of probation or community control:

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(2)

What is the annual polygraph condition?

As part of a treatment program, participation at least annually in polygraph examinations to obtain information necessary for risk management and treatment and to reduce the sex offender’s denial mechanisms. A polygraph examination must be conducted by a polygrapher who is a member of a national or state polygraph association and who is certified as a postconviction sex offender polygrapher, where available, and shall be paid for by the probationer or community controllee. The results of the polygraph examination shall be provided to the probationer’s or community controllee’s probation officer and qualified practitioner and shall not be used as evidence in court to prove that a violation of community supervision has occurred.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(2)(a)

What is the driving restrictions condition?

Maintenance of a driving log and a prohibition against driving a motor vehicle alone without the prior approval of the supervising officer.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(2)(b)

The offender must notate on a driving log what address you started from, what address you are driving to; who is traveling with you, who is driving, and how many miles were driven. You must report this information wherever you go, then turn it in monthly to the offender’s probation officer each month.

Download the Florida Sex Offender Driving Log: https://fdc.myflorida.com/cc/ccforms/DC3-244.pdf

What is the post office box restriction cnndition?

A prohibition against obtaining or using a post office box without the prior approval of the supervising officer.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(2)(c)

What s the HIV test condition?

If there was sexual contact, a submission to, at the probationer’s or community controllee’s expense, an HIV test with the results to be released to the victim or the victim’s parent or guardian.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(2)(d)

What is the electronic monitoring condition?

Electronic monitoring when deemed necessary by the community control or probation officer and his or her supervisor, and ordered by the court at the recommendation of the Department of Corrections.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(2)(e)

Effective for probationers or community controllees whose crime was committed on or after September 1, 2005.

What is the mandatory electronic monitoring condition?

Effective for a probationer or community controllee whose crime was committed on or after September 1, 2005, and who:

(a) Is placed on probation or community control for a violation of chapter 794, s. 800.04(4), (5), or (6), s. 827.071, or s. 847.0145 and the unlawful sexual activity involved a victim 15 years of age or younger and the offender is 18 years of age or older;

(b) Is designated a sexual predator pursuant to s. 775.21; or

(c) Has previously been convicted of a violation of chapter 794, s. 800.04(4), (5), or (6), s. 827.071, or s. 847.0145 and the unlawful sexual activity involved a victim 15 years of age or younger and the offender is 18 years of age or older,

the court must order, in addition to any other provision of this section, mandatory electronic monitoring as a condition of the probation or community control supervision

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(3)

Sex Offender Probation Conditions

Effective for probationers or community controllees whose crime was committed on or after May 26, 2010 and was convicted of certain offenses.

Qualifying offenses for Sex Offender probation?

[…] a probationer or community controllee who is subject to supervision for a crime that was committed on or after May 26, 2010, and who has been convicted of committing, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit, any of the criminal offenses listed in §943.0435(1)(h)1.a.(I), or a similar offense in another jurisdiction, against a victim who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offense […] the court must impose the following conditions [see subsequent toggles]:

Offenses Listed in §943.0435(1)(h)1.a.(I):

§393.136(2) – Sexual Misconduct with an Individual with a Developmental Disability;
§394.4593(2) – Sexual Misconduct with a Patient;
§787.01 – Kidnapping;
§787.02 -False Imprisonment; or
§787.025(2)(c) – Luring or Enticing a Child,

where the victim was a minor;

§787.06(3)(b), (d), (f), or (g) – Human Trafficking, former §787.06(3)(h);
§794.011 – Sexual Battery, excluding §794.011(10);
§794.05 – Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors;
former §796.03 – Procuring a Minor for Prostiution;
former §796.035 – Selling or Buying Minors into Prostitution;
§800.04 – Lewd or Lascivious Offenses (Minor);
§810.145(8) – Video Voyuerism;
§825.1025 – Lewd or Lascivious Offenses (Elderly or Disabled Person);
§827.071 – Child Pornography;
§847.0133 – Obscenity;
§847.0135 – Computer Pornography, Travel to Meet Minor, excluding §847.0135(6);
§847.0137 – Transmission of Pornography by Electronic Device;
§847.0138 – Transmission of Material Harmful to Minors;
§847.0145 – Selling or Buying of Minors;
§895.03 – Offenses Concerning Racketeering, if the court makes a written finding that the racketeering activity involved at least one sexual offense listed in this sub-sub-subparagraph or at least one offense listed in this sub-sub-subparagraph with sexual intent or motive;
§916.1075(2) – Sexual Misconduct with a Forensic Client; or
§985.701(1) – Sexual Misconduct with a Juvenile Offender;

or any similar offense committed in this state which has been redesignated from a former statute number to one of those listed in this sub-sub-subparagraph […]

Source: Florida State Senate, §948.30(4); §943.0435(1)(h)1.a.(I)
NOTE: The statute has been truncated to provide conciseness and clarity. See links for full statute reading.

What is the restriction on visiting schools condition?

A prohibition on visiting schools, child care facilities, parks, and playgrounds, without the prior approval from the offender’s supervising officer. The court may also designate additional locations to protect a victim. The prohibition ordered under this paragraph does not prohibit the offender from visiting a school, child care facility, park, or playground for the sole purpose of attending a religious service as defined in §775.0861 or picking up or dropping off the offender’s children or grandchildren at a child care facility or school.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(4)(a)

What is the holiday restrictions condition?

A prohibition on distributing candy or other items to children on Halloween, wearing a Santa Claus costume, or other costume to appeal to children, on or preceding Christmas; wearing an Easter Bunny costume to appeal to children, on or preceding Easter; entertaining at children’s parties; or wearing a clown costume; without prior approval from the court.

Source: The Florida Senate, §948.30(4)(b)

Sex Offender Probation Conditions

Effective for probationers or community controllees whose crime was committed on or after October 1, 2017 and was convicted of certain offenses.

Qualifying offenses for Sex Offender probation?

Effective for a probationer or community controllee whose crime was committed on or after October 1, 2014, and who is placed on probation or community control for a violation of chapter 794 (Sexual Battery), §800.04 (Lewd and Lascivious Offenses), §827.071 (Child Pornography), §847.0135(5) (Certain Computer Transmissions), or §847.0145 (Selling or Buying of Minors), the court must impose [the following condition:]

Source: Florida State Senate, §948.30(5)

What is the pornography restriction condition?

A condition prohibiting the probationer or community controllee from viewing, accessing, owning, or possessing any obscene, pornographic, or sexually stimulating visual or auditory material unless otherwise indicated in the treatment plan provided by a qualified practitioner in the sexual offender treatment program. Visual or auditory material includes, but is not limited to, telephone, electronic media, computer programs, and computer services.

Source: Florida State Senate, §948.30(5)

Frequently Asked Questions.

Housing Questions

Sex Offender Laws

Sex Offender Probation Conditions

Sex Offender Probation Conditions

Sex Offender Probation Conditions

Sex Offender Probation Conditions

Offender Housing Management, LLC.

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