10 Requirements for Sex Offenders Who Are on Probation

Many people agree to go on probation for sex offenses without knowing how strict the conditions of probation are for sex offenders in Florida.  In many cases, it is only when they go to the probation office for their first meeting that sex offenders are told about the special conditions of probation that apply to them.  By then, however, it is too late for the probationer to change his mind about agreeing to go on probation in the first place.  Therefore, it is essential that anyone faced with the possibility of being placed on sex offender probation understand the conditions of his probation that he or she will be expected to comply before agreeing to go on probation.  Florida statute section 948.30 lists the requirements for people who are placed on sex offender probation.  Ten of those requirements are:

1.  A mandatory curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

2.  If the victim of the sex crime was under the age of 18 when the crime occurred, the probationer may not live within 1,000 feet of a school, day care center, park, playground, or other place where children regularly congregate.

3.  The probationer must actively participate in and successfully complete a sex offender treatment program with qualified practitioners specifically trained to treat sex offenders at the probationer's own expense.

4.  The probationer may not contact the victim of his crime either directly or indirectly unless such contact is approved by the victim, the probationer's therapist, and the sentencing judge.

5.  If the victim of the crime was under the age of 18 when the crime occurred, the probationer may not have any contact with a person under the age of 18 unless certain exceptions apply.

6.  If the victim of the crime was under age 18 when the crime occurred, a probationer may not work for pay or as a volunteer at any place where children regularly congregate including schools, day care centers, parks, playgrounds, pet stores, libraries, zoos, theme parks, and malls.

7.  A probationer may not view, access, own, or possess any obscene, pornographic, or sexually stimulating visual or auditory material, including telephone, electronic media, computer programs, or computer services.

8.  At least once per year, a probationer must take a polygraph examination.

9.  A probationer must keep a driving log, and he is prohibited from driving a motor vehicle alone without obtaining the prior approval of his probation officer.

10.  A probationer may not obtain or use a post office box without getting the prior approval of his probation officer.

These are just some of the requirements for sex offenders who are placed on probation in Florida.  Anyone faced with the prospect of going on sex offender probation should thoroughly familiarize himself with all of the requirements contained in Florida statute section 948.30.