YOUR FUTURE IS ALL THAT MATTERS
Removal of the Requirement to Register as a Sexual Offender or Sexual Predator in Special Circumstances Lawyer in Orlando, Florida
Orlando Lawyer for Removal of the Requirement to Register as a Sexual Offender or Sexual Predator in Special Circumstances
Helping Clients Seek Relief from Sex Offender Registration in Orlando, Florida
Under Florida law, individuals designated as sexual offenders or sexual predators are generally required to register for life unless they receive a full pardon or have their conviction set aside. However, Florida law provides limited special circumstances in which certain individuals may petition the court to remove the requirement to register.
At Hanlon Law, Orlando sex crimes attorney Will Hanlon has decades of experience handling complex criminal matters, including post-conviction relief. For many individuals, removal from the sex offender or sexual predator registry is critical to rebuilding their lives. Our firm helps eligible clients understand their options and aggressively pursue relief under the law.
Removal of the Sex Offender or Sexual Predator Registration Requirement
Even after completing probation, supervision, or incarceration, some individuals remain subject to sex offender registration requirements. Florida Statutes § 943.04354 allows certain qualifying individuals to petition the criminal division of the circuit court to lift this designation under narrowly defined conditions.
Eligibility for removal may exist if the registration requirement is based solely on a qualifying offense such as:
- Lewd or lascivious offenses
- Sexual performance by a child
- Computer pornography
- A substantially similar offense from another jurisdiction
Importantly, the offense must be the only basis for the registration requirement.
Eligibility Requirements Under Florida Law
To qualify for removal of the registration requirement, strict statutory criteria must be met, including:
- The victim was between the ages of 13 and 18, and you were no more than four years older than the victim at the time of the offense
- You do not have any additional convictions for:
- Sexual battery
- Lewd or lascivious offenses involving a victim under 16
- Sexual performance by a child
- Computer pornography
- Any substantially similar offense from another jurisdiction
- You were convicted in another jurisdiction and no longer meet the criteria to register as a sexual offender or predator in that jurisdiction
Individuals with multiple qualifying convictions or more serious sexual offenses are not eligible for removal under this statute.
Filing a Petition to Remove the Registration Requirement
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may petition the circuit court in:
- The county where the conviction occurred
- The county where you currently reside
- The county where you last resided in Florida (if the conviction occurred in another jurisdiction)
The petition must affirm that all statutory criteria are satisfied and that removal of the registration requirement does not conflict with applicable federal law. If the conviction occurred outside Florida, written confirmation that registration is no longer required in that jurisdiction must be provided.
The State Attorney must receive at least 21 days’ notice before the hearing and may present evidence opposing the request. Because Florida law allows only one opportunity to file this motion, a denial permanently bars future petitions—making skilled legal representation essential.
What Happens If the Court Grants the Petition?
If the court grants the request, a certified copy of the order must be submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Upon receipt, FDLE is required to remove the individual’s information from the public sex offender and sexual predator registry.
While removal from the registry is significant, it does not erase your criminal record, which may still be accessible through other means.
Experienced Orlando Sex Crimes Attorney at Hanlon Law
If you are seeking removal of the requirement to register as a sexual offender or sexual predator, experienced legal guidance is critical. Will Hanlon, founder of Hanlon Law, has defended individuals accused and convicted of sex crimes since 1994, providing strategic, personalized representation at every stage.
Call Hanlon Law at
407-987-3836 or contact us through our
online form to discuss whether you qualify for relief and how we can help you move forward.
