In general, when you get a conviction for a sexual-related offense, the court will let you know if you must register as a sexual offender. However, knowing when registration is a requirement can help you as you navigate charges against you and plan your defense.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement explains you must meet specific criteria to have a mandate to register.
Qualifying offense
The biggest factor impacting whether you must register is the offense. If a court convicted you for certain sexual misconduct charges, sexual battery or human trafficking, you likely have to register. Crimes involving minors are also usually a trigger to require registration. These include kidnapping, false imprisonment and pornography-related crimes.
Other factors
You will have to register once you are released from incarceration. You register where you live. If you are moving out of Florida, then you may not have to register in the state, but you probably will have to do it in your new state. It is essential to contact authorities and verify where you must register. Failing to do so could result in additional criminal charges and arrest.
Juveniles
Some juveniles will have to register. In some cases, registration requirements will not go away once a minor becomes an adult. The registration requirement is outside of the typical juvenile system because it applies when the minor has adult charges.
Important points
You must also register in Florida even if you are only in the state temporarily, including visiting or working. You have 48 hours to let authorities know about your presence in the state. Even if you leave the state, once you are on the registry, your information remains.