The Union County sex offender registry is a public database maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that lists every person required to register as a sex offender or sexual predator with a Union County address. The registry covers the full county, including the city of Lake Butler, the town of Raiford, and the smaller community of Worthington Springs. Anyone can search this registry for free using the state search portal, and no account or login is required to view the records. The registry exists to help Florida families, schools, employers, and neighbors stay aware of registered offenders living or working in their area.
Union County is a small rural county in north-central Florida with a population near 16,000. Even in a county this size, sex offender registration rules apply the same way they do in larger Florida counties. The statutes, the deadlines, the residency rules, and the search tools all match what residents of any Florida county would see. The only real difference is the smaller registrant list, which makes each search result shorter and easier to read.
What Is the Union County Sex Offender Registry
The Union County sex offender registry is part of Florida’s statewide registration system. People on this list have been convicted of qualifying sex crimes under Florida law or convicted elsewhere of crimes that would qualify here. Each person on the list must keep the record updated with the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The state then publishes that record on the public search portal for all residents to view at any time.
Who Must Register in Union County
Any adult or qualifying juvenile convicted of a sex crime listed in Florida law must register in the county where they live. The rule applies to people who live in Union County, work in Union County, or regularly spend time here. It also covers people with out-of-state convictions that would require registration under Florida rules. College students, seasonal workers, and people staying at campgrounds or RV parks within the county all fall under this rule if they remain in the area long enough to qualify as a resident.
- People convicted of qualifying Florida sex crimes
- People convicted in another state for crimes that match Florida’s list
- People on federal supervision living in Union County
- Transient or homeless people who sleep in the county
- Out-of-state students enrolled in Union County schools
- Seasonal workers staying in the county 14 or more days
- People released from a Florida prison whose planned home is in Union County
How Florida’s Registration System Works
Florida runs its sex offender registry through one central database at the state level. Each county sheriff’s office acts as the local registration point. When someone registers locally, the sheriff’s office uploads the person’s data, photo, and fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. From that point on, any changes the person reports also go to the FDLE. The public then sees the updated record on the same FDLE search portal that lists offenders from every Florida county in one place.
Union County Sheriff’s Office Registration Process
The Union County Sheriff’s Office handles every registration, re-registration, and record update in Union County. There is no online or mail-in option for registration. Every person required to register must appear in person at the sheriff’s office during normal business hours. The office is located in Lake Butler, which is the only incorporated city in Union County.
Registration Location and Office Hours
The Union County Sheriff’s Office is at 55 West Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida 32054. The office accepts registration visits on weekdays during normal business hours. Call ahead at (386) 496-2501 to confirm the exact walk-in hours before traveling. The registration counter closes for lunch and on weekends, so plan a mid-morning visit on a regular workday when possible.
Documents You Need to Complete Registration
People arriving for their first registration should bring several items with them. Missing documents can delay the process or force a second trip. The sheriff’s office staff check each item before starting the paperwork.
- A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID
- A Social Security card or printed proof of the SSN
- Court paperwork showing the conviction and the sentence
- Prior registration forms if you registered in another county or state
- Documentation of any vehicle registration in your name
- Proof of your current Union County address
- A list of every phone number, email, and social media account you use
- Payment for any outstanding fines or fees tied to your case
Details Collected at the Time of Registration
The registration form covers a wide range of data. Staff at the sheriff’s office photograph you, take fingerprints, and enter all collected data into the state system. Expect the visit to last between 30 minutes and one hour depending on the case.
| Data Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Full legal name | First, middle, and last name as shown on court documents |
| Date of birth | Used as a unique identifier |
| Social Security number | Used for record matching across states |
| Current address | Where you sleep most nights |
| Physical description | Height, weight, eye color, hair color, race |
| Vehicle data | Year, make, model, color, license plate number |
| Phone numbers | Mobile, home, and any work phone lines |
| Email accounts | Every active email address you use |
| Social media accounts | Every online profile you maintain |
| Photo and fingerprints | Biometric data stored at the state level |
What Happens After Your Registration Is Filed
After your visit, staff at the Union County Sheriff’s Office send your data to the FDLE in Tallahassee. Your record usually appears on the public search portal within a few business days. If your case qualifies for active community notification, the sheriff’s office starts notifying nearby residents, schools, and childcare centers within the same window of time. You receive written confirmation of your registration and your next scheduled visit before you leave the office. For legal reference, the registration rules are written in Florida Statute § 943.0435.
Union County Sex Offender Search Tools
Several free tools exist for searching registered offenders in Union County. The state FDLE portal is the most complete tool and lists every registered offender in Florida. National search tools and county-specific resources add extra options for residents who want to check other data sources as well.
FDLE Public Search Portal for Union County
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s official public search portal at offender.fdle.state.fl.us. The portal lists every sex offender and sexual predator in Florida, including everyone with a Union County address. Searches are free, the site does not require a login, and the results load quickly. Each result shows the registrant’s photo, current address, physical description, offense history, and predator status.
Search Options by Name and ZIP Code
The FDLE portal lets users search by several methods. You can pick a Florida county from a drop-down list to see every active registrant in that county. You can search by name, by ZIP code, or by radius from a specific street address. The radius tool helps people who want to know who is registered within a set distance from a school, daycare, or their own home.
- Search by Florida county (Union County appears as a full list)
- Search by full or partial name
- Search by ZIP code for Lake Butler, Raiford, or county ZIPs
- Search by address with a 500, 1,000, or 2,000-foot radius
- Filter by offender, predator, or both categories
- View full offense history for each registrant
Union County Sex Offender Map Lookup
The FDLE portal includes an interactive map view. The map displays each registered address with a color-coded marker that shows the registrant type and status. Pin colors change based on whether the person is a registered sexual offender, a sexual predator, or a non-compliant registrant. Hovering over a marker opens a small pop-up with a link to the full registrant profile.
National Sex Offender Public Registry Site
The U.S. Department of Justice runs the National Sex Offender Public Registry at nsopw.gov. This site pulls data from every state that participates in the national system. Florida is a participating state. The national site covers registered offenders in Union County, but the most current Union County data still comes from the FDLE portal because state offices update their records first.
Sex Offender vs Sexual Predator in Union County
Florida law separates registrants into two groups: sex offenders and sexual predators. Both groups appear in the same state search tool, but the rules each group follows are different. Knowing the difference helps the public understand why some registrants appear in community notification flyers while others do not.
Sexual Offender Classification in Union County
A sexual offender is a person convicted of a qualifying crime under Florida Statutes. Most registrants fall into this group. They report to the Union County Sheriff’s Office twice per year and update their records within 48 hours of any change. They follow all the residency rules, but the state does not run an active community notification program for this group.
Sexual Predator Designation Under Florida Law
A sexual predator is a person whose court has added a special designation under Florida law. This label is not automatic. A judge must make a specific finding that the person meets the legal criteria for the designation. Sexual predators face tighter rules, including four re-registration visits each year and active community notification when they register or change addresses in Union County. The legal framework for this designation sits in Florida Statute § 775.21.
Community Notification Rules and Procedures
When a sexual predator registers in Union County, the sheriff’s office can notify residents who live near the registrant’s address. Notifications may go to neighbors, schools, parks, licensed childcare homes, and other facilities where children regularly gather. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also publishes predator records with a clear label on the public search portal, which lets users tell the two groups apart at a glance.
Re-Registration and Reporting Rules in Union County
Florida sex offender laws set strict timelines for how often a registrant must appear in person and how quickly changes must be reported. These timelines apply equally in Union County and any other Florida county. The 48-hour rule for reporting changes is one of the most common sources of new charges against registrants.
Re-Registration Schedule for Each Category
Each registrant has a re-registration schedule based on their legal category. Missing a scheduled visit can lead to felony charges. Review your registration paperwork to confirm your next visit date.
| Registrant Type | Re-Registration Frequency | Visit Window |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual offender | Twice per year | Birth month and six months after |
| Sexual predator | Four times per year | Every three months |
| Transient (no fixed address) | Every 30 days | Once per calendar month |
The 48-Hour Change Reporting Rule in Florida
Florida law requires every sex offender and sexual predator to report certain changes to the local sheriff’s office within 48 hours. The 48-hour window does not pause for weekends or holidays. A move on a Friday afternoon still requires a report by Sunday afternoon. The rule covers more than address changes.
- New address or temporary address change
- New vehicle or change to a registered vehicle
- New phone number or removal of an old phone number
- New email address or username on an email account
- New social media account or change to an existing profile
- New employer, school enrollment, or workplace location
- New name after marriage, divorce, or court order
- Any international travel planned more than seven days ahead
Penalties for Failing to Register on Time
Missing a registration deadline, skipping a scheduled visit, or failing to report a change within 48 hours is a felony in Florida. The typical charge is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Repeat violations or violations tied to new sex crime allegations can lead to higher felony levels and longer sentences. Out-of-state registrants who fail to register here face the same penalties under Florida law.
Residency Restrictions in Union County
Florida law places residency limits on registered sex offenders and sexual predators. These rules apply everywhere in the state, including Union County. Local governments can pass stricter rules, but the state baseline stays the same for every county. For legal reference, the residency buffer is set in Florida Statute § 775.215.
The 1,000-Foot Buffer Zone Rule in Florida
Under Florida law, registered offenders and predators may not live within 1,000 feet of any school, licensed childcare facility, park, playground, or public library. The distance is measured from property line to property line. The rule covers permanent homes as well as stays of even one night. Sleeping one night at a non-compliant address is a violation of state law.
Schools, Parks, and Childcare Restrictions
The 1,000-foot rule applies to all registered offenders and predators regardless of their legal category. The Union County Sheriff’s Office checks each new registered address against a map of these sensitive locations. If the new address falls inside the buffer, the registrant must pick a different address before the registration can move forward.
- Public and private K-12 schools
- Licensed daycare centers
- Licensed family childcare homes
- Public parks with playground equipment
- Public libraries with children’s sections
- School bus stops during the school year (some local rules)
Local Ordinance Variations Inside Union County
The state sets the minimum 1,000-foot buffer, but counties and cities can expand the rule. Lake Butler or other local governments inside Union County may pass local ordinances that add buffers, restrict certain streets, or place extra rules on parks. Contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office or the Lake Butler City Hall before settling on a new address to check both state and local restrictions.
Union County Offender Notification and Alerts
Two main tools help Union County residents learn about new registrations or address changes nearby. One is the free state email alert service. The other is the sheriff’s office community notification program for sexual predators. Both tools are free, and either one can be set up in only a few minutes.
Florida Offender Alert Email Notification
The state runs a free service called Florida Offender Alert at floridaoffenderalert.com. Pick the ZIP codes you want to watch, and the system emails you whenever someone registers, changes address, or updates a record in that area. The alerts cover offenders and predators in Union County and across Florida. You can pick as many ZIP codes as you want from one account.
Sheriff’s Office Community Notification Program
When a sexual predator registers or moves within Union County, the sheriff’s office can send notices to nearby residents, schools, and licensed childcare providers. Notices include the registrant’s photo and address. Schools and childcare centers often share these notices with parents as well. Standard sex offenders do not trigger this active notification, but they still appear on the public search portal.
How to Stay Informed About Local Registrants
The most reliable way to stay current on Union County registrants is to combine the FDLE portal with the email alert service. Set up the alerts once, check the portal when you move to a new neighborhood, and keep your contact list of ZIP codes up to date. These two tools together cover every category of change in the Union County database.
- Visit the FDLE search portal at least once per month
- Set up ZIP code alerts on Florida Offender Alert
- Check the sheriff’s office social media pages for community notices
- Ask your child’s school about their internal notification process
- Contact the sheriff’s office to confirm any address question
Union County Sheriff’s Office Contact Details
The Union County Sheriff’s Office is the only registration site for sex offenders in the county. Anyone who needs to register or update a record must appear at this office in person. Anyone who wants to confirm a registrant’s status can call the office during business hours. Office staff can also confirm whether a specific address falls inside the 1,000-foot buffer zone and whether any local ordinance applies to a new home.
Office: Union County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 55 West Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054
Phone: (386) 496-2501
Website: www.unionsherifffl.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (call ahead to confirm walk-in registration hours)
The map below shows the office location for visitors driving to the sheriff’s office in Lake Butler.
Common Questions About Union County Registry
Below are answers to common questions Union County residents ask about sex offender and sexual predator records. The answers cover Florida law as applied to Union County and explain the rules residents need to know. The questions cover records, social media, duration, removal, interstate data sharing, and what to do if a registrant lives nearby.
What Details Show in a Union County Registry Record
Each registry record starts with the registrant’s full legal name, date of birth, and a photograph taken at registration. The record also lists the current registered address, the registrant’s physical description including height, weight, race, eye color, and hair color, and a complete offense history tied to the qualifying conviction. Vehicle data covers every car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle registered in the person’s name, and the record includes license plate numbers for each one. School enrollment, employment status, and any active community supervision case numbers also appear in the record. Sexual predator records carry a clear label on the public search portal, which lets users tell the two groups apart at a glance. The data on the FDLE portal matches the data the Union County Sheriff’s Office has on file, and any change the registrant reports to the sheriff updates the public record within a few business days. Parents looking up a neighbor’s address should check the date stamp at the bottom of the record before assuming the address still matches the registrant’s current home.
Can Registered Offenders Use Social Media in FL
Yes. Florida law does not ban registered offenders from using social media. Registrants must list every social media account they use on their registration form. They must report any new account or username change within 48 hours through the local sheriff’s office. Law enforcement officers can request account data from social media companies when a registrant is under investigation, but using the platforms themselves is not a violation of state law. Some federal supervision rules add limits for people on supervised release, parole, or probation, but Florida registration law alone does not block social media use. Registrants who fail to list an account or fail to update a username can be charged with failing to register as required.
How Long Does Registration Last in Union County
Florida registration is a lifetime obligation for most qualifying cases. Sexual offenders register for life unless a court orders removal after a long stretch without any new conviction. Sexual predators register for life without exception. Re-registration visits continue as long as the person lives, works, or spends time in Florida. A registrant who leaves the state and never returns can stop Florida registration, but the original conviction still qualifies them for registration in any new state they move to under that state’s laws. A private attorney who handles sex offender cases can review the conviction paperwork and let the registrant know whether a removal petition has any chance of success.
Can a Person Remove Their Name From the Registry
A small number of registrants qualify to petition for removal. Florida law limits removal to people whose convictions did not include specific crimes listed in the statute. Most serious offenses such as sexual battery, child sexual abuse, or use of a minor in sexual performance do not qualify for removal. Most registrants must keep their names on the public database for life, even decades after completing their sentence. A removal petition is filed in the county court that handled the original conviction, and a judge decides the case after a hearing. The Union County Sheriff’s Office can confirm the process, but the actual decision rests with the court. Successful removal is rare and depends heavily on the original charge.
Does Union County Share Data With Other States
Yes. Florida’s registry system is part of the national network managed by the U.S. Department of Justice. When a Union County registrant moves to another state, the Union County Sheriff’s Office notifies that state’s registry within 48 hours of the move. The other state then takes over the registration duties and applies its own schedule. The reverse happens when an out-of-state registrant moves into Union County. Union County staff work with the FDLE to confirm a clean handoff in both directions. The national registry at nsopw.gov also mirrors these changes for search users who look up records across state lines. This data sharing keeps the records current for residents who travel or move for work.
What Should You Do If a Registrant Lives Nearby
Stay aware and stay calm. The public registry exists so families and neighbors can make decisions about their own safety. Keep your distance, avoid contact, and report any behavior that looks like a new crime to the Union County Sheriff’s Office at (386) 496-2501 or to local law enforcement in an emergency by dialing 911. Being on the registry is not a crime, but breaking any of the registration rules is. Notify your child’s school so staff can adjust pickup routines if needed. Tell other neighbors who might not see the registry alert, such as elderly relatives or new residents. Take normal precautions such as keeping doors locked and watching for unusual activity near homes, schools, and parks. Avoid confronting the registrant directly, and let law enforcement handle any violation that may occur.