Yes, unless you qualify for one of the limited exceptions under section 775.13(4) of the Florida Statutes. Failure to register can result in either a second-degree misdemeanor charge (up to 60 days in jail) or a third-degree felony charge (up to 5 years in state prison).
Legally reviewed by Tonmiel Rodriguez, Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer — last reviewed June 2026.
The Confusion About “Conviction”
Many attorneys assume that if the judge withholds adjudication, there is no “conviction” and the client does not have to register. This is wrong for purposes of the felon registration statute. Section 775.13(1) explicitly states that “convicted” means “a determination of guilt which is the result of a trial or the entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld.”
What You Must Do
Within 48 hours of entering any county in Florida, you must register with the sheriff, be fingerprinted and photographed, and list the crime for which convicted, place of conviction, sentence imposed, name, aliases, address, and occupation.
Exceptions
- Civil rights have been restored
- Full pardon received
- Released from incarceration/supervision for more than 5 years
- Under federal parole/probation supervision with consent
- Already registered as a sexual predator/offender or career offender
Call 863-774-4556 for a free consultation with Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer Tonmiel Rodriguez. Hablamos Español.