FLORIDA — As of January 1, 2003, under the Florida Career Offender Registration Act, a select group of convicted felons, the “worst-of-the-worst”, are required to register their residences with law enforcement and a state registry maintained by FDLE , the Career Offender Application for Statewide Tracking (COAST).
These offenders, by virtue of their histories of offenses, present a threat to the public and to communities. This registration law will assist law enforcement agencies in timely apprehending a career offender, if a career offender engages again in criminal conduct.
Registration is not a punishment, but merely a status. Failure of a Career Offender to register their residence is a third degree felony.
Career Offenders are individuals who have been designated by a court as a habitual violent felony offender, a violent career criminal, or a three-time violent felony offender under s. 775.084 or as a prison release re-offender under s. 775.082(9) AND who are serving or have been released from sanction in the State of Florida on or after July 1, 2002.
The public may call the FDLE Career Offender Unit direct at 1-(850) 410-8780 to inquire about Career Offender registration laws or registrants in their area.