Attorney General Pam Bondi is asking parents to plan a safe route for children to trick or treat this Halloween. Parents and guardians can visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators website at FLSexOffender.net to see a list of all registered sex offenders and predators living within a five-mile radius.
Attorney General Bondi also encourages Floridians to alert authorities of any known sex offenders or predators giving out candy to children today. Florida law prohibits sex offenders from distributing candy or other items to children on Halloween.
In addition to knowing where sex offenders are before sending children out to trick or treat, there are other steps parents can take to protect children tonight. Here are some simple ways to ensure a safer Halloween:
- Make sure children are not trick or treating alone. They should go with a group or with a trusted adult;
- Remind trick or treaters about road safety—look both ways before crossing the street and use the side walk and crosswalks when possible;
- Equip children with a light source such as a flashlight or glow stick; and
- Tell children to never go into the home of a stranger and do not approach a house without any lights on.
Attorney General Bondi wishes everyone a happy and safe Halloween tonight.
