Recent legislation requires the state of Florida to make information available to the public on persons convicted of sex crimes living in our communities. Sex offenders are required to register with law enforcement and have their addresses and mug shots appear online. This information can prove vital to parents seeking to protect their children from potential danger. I was shocked to find that there are 79 registered offenders living within 5 miles of my Miami home.

The registry allows you to search the Florida sex offender database by neighborhood. Simply enter your address and ZIP code and you’ll receive a full list of sex offenders in your area. Information provided includes:

• Name
• Current Address and Map
• Photograph
• Current Offender Status
• Source of the Information

If you select the “View Flyer” option for an offender, you will be able to view the following additional information:

• Date of Birth
• Race
• Sex
• Height
• Weight
• Scars, Marks and Tattoos
• Hair Color
• Eye Color
• Qualifying Offense(s)

The database contains information on all sexual offenders released since 1997 as well as those individuals designated sexual predators by the courts after October 1993.