Tens of thousands of sex offenders and predators live in Florida according to a new report released by the Office of Program Police Analysis and Government Accountability.
It says FDLE’s registry lists more than 73,000 offenders and predators which is a 53% increase since 2005.
In Northeast Florida, the report shows more than 2,000 are registered in Duval County, 228 in St.Johns County and 134 in Nassau County.
STORY: FBI Top 10 fugitive could be in Jacksonville
STORY: Report: Number of sex offenders living in Florida is growing
Local parent Linwood Benner told Action News Jax, “It’s one of those things that you know it happens but really don’t see it so you kind of just put that kind of stuff off in the back of your mind.”
Action News Jax law and safety expert Dale Carson attributed the increase to the state’s overall population growth.
He explained, “There are many reason that people come here to avoid your house being seized, to enjoy the weather and the lack of income tax.”
Carson said it’s the same reason Jacksonville has the highest number of homeless predators and offenders in the state.
After hearing the numbers, families said they’d be talking to their little loved ones.
Pamela Davis said, “Making sure they realize what’s out there and keeping them aware of the their situations and staying with them wherever they go.”
Here's the full report.