The Florida Action Committee (FAC) requests your support by signing this petition for the purpose of convening a Workshop that would include participants from the following stake holder groups: legislators, law enforcement, probation, treatment providers, advocacy groups, prosecutors, defense attorneys, experts in the field of sexually violent predators, offender support groups and other additional stakeholders who could contribute to the examination of sex offender policies with the goal of creating more effective practices and a more efficient use of tax dollars.

What the state is doing is not working! Residency restrictions are creating homelessness and news reports frequently use inaccurate information creating unwarranted fear throughout the public sector. Currently the number of Florida residents on the registry is in the 57,000 range.

FAC has diligently attempted for the past 3 legislative sessions to convene such a Workshop. The need to comprehensively examine current practices, on-going research and financial data regarding sex offender laws and ordinances would result in a plan of action for the enhancement of public safety and more effective use of the citizens’ tax dollars.

Legislation that supports practices based on accurate data will go far to add to the safety of Florida’s citizens and save millions that can be more effectively used to enhance family and children services which is a proven highly effective method for stopping the cycle of abuse.