Sheriff Will Remind Sex Offenders Of Halloween Rules

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will be knocking on doors of registered sexual offenders Tuesday conducting compliance checks just before Halloween, the sheriff's office said.

Sexual offenders on probation cannot participate in Halloween activities, authorities said.

By law, sex offenders are not allowed to hand out candy, display Halloween decorations or have porch lights lit in Florida on Halloween, deputies said.

A breach of these rules will result in an automatic violation, law enforcement officials said.

In Hillsborough County, there are more than 2,000 registered sexual offenders and predators, according to the sheriff's office.

"Our deputies will be going door-to-door to make sure registered sexual offenders and predators in your neighborhoods don't interfere with your child's Halloween fun," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "Last year, our deputies conducted 424 neighborhood checks, and all but one was in compliance. That individual was arrested for having Halloween decorations outside of their home. This proactive approach is done with your child's safety first in mind."

Chronister encourages parents to visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's (FDLE) Sexual Offender and Predator database before their children go trick-or-treating Saturday. Upon entering your home address, the database provides the addresses for registered sexual offenders and predators near your neighborhood. FDLE's database can be accessed here.

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