WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) \u2014 A new Florida law taking effect July 1 will expand where certain sex offenders and sexual predators may live, work or go, adding public swimming pools to a list of restricted areas that already includes schools, child care facilities, parks and playgrounds.<\/p>\n
The measure, CS\/CS\/CS\/SB 212<\/a>, was signed into law as Chapter 2026-17, Laws of Florida. It amends several sections of Florida law.<\/p>\n Under the new law, a person convicted of certain sex offenses involving a victim younger than 16 may not live within 1,000 feet of a school, child care facility, park, playground or public swimming pool if the offense occurs on or after July 1, 2026. The restriction also applies to certain people already subject to existing residency restrictions if they change their permanent residence on or after that date.<\/p>\n The law defines a \u201cpublic swimming pool\u201d broadly to include conventional pools, spas, wading pools, splash pads and other water recreation attractions that may be used by the public, whether free or paid. Pools operated by or serving subdivisions, apartments, condominiums, mobile home parks, townhouses and government entities are included. The definition excludes pools at private single-family homes, hotels, motels, recreational vehicle parks and pools where people under 18 are prohibited.<\/p>\n