Florida’s newly passed legislation (Senate Bill 212), which takes effect on July 1, 2026, adds specific new public areas to the state’s restriction list for registered sex offenders.
The most significant change under the new law focuses heavily on water recreation:
1. Public Swimming Pools and Water Attractions
Individuals convicted of specified sexual offenses against a minor aged 16 or younger are prohibited from living within 1,000 feet of a public swimming pool.
- Broad Definition: The law expands the definition of a “public swimming pool” to include conventional pools, spas, wading pools, spray pools, and splash pads.
- Applicability: This includes pools operated by municipalities, as well as those serving subdivisions, apartments, condominiums, townhouses, and mobile home parks. It does not apply to private single-family homes, hotels, motels, or RV parks.
- Visitation and Work Ban: Offenders on probation, community control, or conditional release are also barred from working, volunteering, or visiting these public pools without prior approval from a supervising officer. A current exemption protects those already living near these areas before the law kicks in.
2. Increased Proximity Buffers (Loitering and Prowling)
The bill expands the physical buffer zone where offenders are prohibited from loitering or prowling near places where children congregate:
- The Distance Jump: The restricted zone has been increased from 300 feet to 500 feet.
- Warrantless Arrests: Law enforcement officers are granted the authority to make an arrest without a warrant if there is probable cause that an offender has knowingly approached or attempted to contact a minor under 18 at any public park, playground, or public swimming pool.
3. Strict Rules on School Grounds
The law clarifies and tightens restrictions on pre-K through 12th-grade school property and childcare facilities while they are in operation. Law enforcement can make a warrantless arrest if an offender is purposefully present on these properties, with very narrow exceptions (such as a parent or legal guardian dropping off/picking up a child, or individuals attending religious services held on the property).