Sex offender owning a business?

[ibeawizard]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida (Orlando)

There is a man advertising his business as licensed and insured.

It's an Air Conditioning & Handyman service, does A/C, plumbing, and all sorts of other things in people's home.

He is a registered sex offender for child pornography.

Is he allowed to operate a business like this going into people's homes who have children? How did a convicted sex offender get licensed and insured? Or is he lying?

I almost let this man into my home to do some plumbing work, and I have four children!!!!

If he's not allowed to do this, who do I contact?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Gail in Georgia]

While Florida law prohibits registered sex offenders from residing within 1000 feet of places such as child care centers, parks, etc. there is nothing in the law that says one cannot be a plumber or A/C repairman nor own his own business.

While he has to register his status, it is up to the public to check this out before they let a handyman into their home.

It is also assumed that parents will monitor such repairman and watch over their children while a stranger is in their home.

 

[abys32]

While Florida law prohibits registered sex offenders from residing within 1000 feet of places such as child care centers, parks, etc. there is nothing in the law that says one cannot be a plumber or A/C repairman nor own his own business.

While he has to register his status, it is up to the public to check this out before they let a handyman into their home.

It is also assumed that parents will monitor such repairman and watch over their children while a stranger is in their home.

This a great post! I do watch my child with a handyman in the house but more to make sure she is not in the vicinity of the work area so that she won't get hurt or disturb him/her. It never occurred to me to check the backgrounds of people I hire to come into my home. I did check out my neighborhood before I bought my house. I read that suggestion on a real etate website. I also check the bbb for the company's history. I have honestly been more concerned about the risk to my belongings that to my child when a stranger is in my home. It is probably pretty common thinking. Please explain how to check someone's background - also in FL.

Thank you both.

 

[quincy]

abyss, Florida lists all sex offenders and sexual predators on their state website.

It is also important to note that not all sex offenders are designated as sexual predators by the court (although all sexual predators are sex offenders). There is a difference.

In addition, it is a court that determines what restrictions may or may not be placed on a sex offender. If a victim is under the age of 18, for instance, the sex offender can be prohibited from working and living around children - but this is not always an ordered restriction. Restrictions can include a prohibition against possession of pornography, ownership of firearms, and there may be curfews imposed. It really depends on the sexual offense and the circumstances.

You can check out the 176 page Florida Sexual Predator Guidelines at http://www.hcso.tampa.fla.us/Sexual_Predator_Offender/2004GuidelinesFINALREV-05102005.pdf. Page 41 lists prohibited activities. Registration with the state and the community, and address notification and verification, are the major requirements for sex offenders in all states.

 

[abys32]

abyss, Florida lists all sex offenders and sexual predators on their state website.

It is also important to note that not all sex offenders are designated as sexual predators by the court (although all sexual predators are sex offenders). There is a difference.

In addition, it is a court that determines what restrictions may or may not be placed on a sex offender. If a victim is under the age of 18, for instance, the sex offender can be prohibited from working and living around children - but this is not always an ordered restriction. Restrictions can include a prohibition against possession of pornography, ownership of firearms, and there may be curfews imposed. It really depends on the sexual offense and the circumstances.

You can check out the 176 page Florida Sexual Predator Guidelines at http://www.hcso.tampa.fla.us/Sexual_Predator_Offender/2004GuidelinesFINALREV-05102005.pdf. Page 41 lists prohibited activities. Registration with the state and the community, and address notification and verification, are the major requirements for sex offenders in all states.

The site says that offenders are required to register their email address and instant messaging name as well. Adding it to my favorites. Thanks again for useful info.