Florida residency restrictions contribute to sex offender clusters in Central Florida neighborhoods

A News 6 investigation found dozens of registered offenders living in close proximity in parts of Orlando, while some cities impose stricter residency restrictions.Florida’s population growth has brought more people to the state in recent years, including convicted sex offenders and predators. But residency restrictions and limited housing options are contributing to clusters of registered offenders in some Central Florida neighborhoods.Dr. Stephen Holmes, a University of Central Florida criminal justice professor who has spent decades studying violent sex offenders, said clusters are more common in economically disadvantaged areas.“When you look at it in more impoverished areas of the city, you’re going to see clusters,” Holmes said.Under Florida law, many registered sex offenders face restrictions on living within 1,000 feet of schools, child care facilities, parks and playgrounds. Those restrictions can significantly limit where they are allowed to live.“When you map out the areas w