BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Sex offenders on felony supervision in Florida won’t be handing out candy tonight. State probation officers are knocking on doors to make sure of it.
The Florida Department of Corrections tells BocaNewsNow.com that its probation officers, working with state and local law enforcement, are conducting more than 5,000 residential inspections statewide as part of an annual Halloween safety effort. The checks verify that offenders are following court-ordered conditions, including bans on Halloween decorations, contact with trick-or-treaters and participation in holiday activities.
Under those rules, supervised sex offenders can’t give out candy or treats, put up outdoor decorations, answer the door for trick-or-treaters, wear costumes or masks, or attend Halloween parties. They’re also expected to turn off their porch lights and close their blinds.
Anyone caught in violation can be arrested immediately and face violation of probation proceedings.
“Protecting Florida’s communities remains our highest priority,” FDC Secretary Richard Comerford said, crediting probation officers and law enforcement partners for their work. Joe Winkler, the agency’s assistant deputy secretary of community corrections, said the thousands of inspections are meant to reinforce accountability and head off violations before they happen.
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