The Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners passed Ordinance Number 07-12 on April 14, 2007 which bans sexual predators from living within 1,000 feet of designated senior communities. The ordinance was passed due to the Commissioners' concerns about the significant increase in the number of incidents in Florida and across the nation whereby registered sexual predators committed violent crimes against seniors.

• Hillsborough County Ordinance Number 07-12 ( PDF, 676KB )
• Hillsborough County Resolution Number R07-069 ( PDF, 222KB )

The ordinance requires sexual predators in nursing homes and long-term care facilities to disclose their status to management of those facilities. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to $500 or 60 days in jail, or a combination of the two. Predators already living in or near a "Senior Safety Zone" would be allowed to stay, but it is the management's responsibility to take precautions to alert the other residents of this potential danger.

A similar ordinance was passed in March by Hillsborough County Commissioners that established "Child Safety Zones" which prohibits the county's approximately 120 sexual predators from loitering within 300 feet of libraries, parks, day care centers and other areas where children congregate. These safety zones will add an additional level of protection for our most vulnerable residents.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office website has more information on Sexual Predators/Offenders at www.hcso.tampa.fl.us/.

A list and photographs of sexual predators and offenders may be obtained on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) website at www.fdle.state.fl.us. FDLE is required to place all registered sexual predators and offenders who qualify under the Florida Public Safety Information Act (PSIA) on the Internet. Flyers will contain a photo, a physical description, and address for each subject.

HOW TO APPLY FOR "SENIOR SAFETY ZONE" DESIGNATION

Senior communities with occupancy or ownership restricted to residents 55 or older should fill out an application with the Hillsborough County Department of Aging Services to be considered for this designation. The Hillsborough County Human Rights Ordinance defines "Housing for Older Persons."

• Hillsborough County Human Rights Ordinance 00-37 ( PDF, 22KB )

Please download and complete the Application and Checklist.

• Senior Safety Zone Application ( PDF, 75KB )
• Safety Checklist ( PDF, 61KB )

For more information, please call Chris Schad, Aging Services Project Coordinator, Quality Management Section, at (813) 272-6480.