This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance regulations concerning sexual offenders and sexual predators, particularly in relation to public spaces frequented by children. It revises key definitions, expanding the terms "public swimming pool" and "public bathing place" to include a wider range of water recreation facilities, such as spray pools and splash pads. The bill introduces residency restrictions for individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses, prohibiting them from living within 1,000 feet of schools, child care facilities, parks, and the newly defined public swimming pools and bathing places. Additionally, it mandates background checks against sexual offender registries for state agencies and governmental subdivisions before hiring individuals in positions involving contact with children.

The bill also amends Florida Statutes section 948.30, which outlines additional terms and conditions of probation or community control for certain sex offenses. It imposes prohibitions on offenders whose victims were under 18, including restrictions on living near locations where children congregate and working or volunteering at places where children regularly gather. Furthermore, probationers or community controllees convicted of specific offenses against minors are prohibited from visiting schools, child care facilities, parks, and the newly included public swimming pools and bathing places without prior approval from their supervising officer. The act aims to strengthen community safety measures and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 212 Filed: 514.011, 943.04351