Many wonder if there is any distinct difference between a sexual predator and a sexual offender.  The answer is a resounding YES.   Wikipedia defines a sex offender (also sexual offender, sex abuser or sexual abuser) as a person who committed a sex crime, although what constitutes a sex crime differs by culture and by legal jurisdiction.  In most jurisdictions, offenses include child sexual abuse, downloading child pornography, rape and statutory rape.

Florida Statute 775.21 defines a sexual predator as a repeat sexual offender, a sexual offender who uses physical violence and a sexual offender who preys on children.  Most often, the term ‘sexual predator’ is used to refer to a person who habitually seeks out sexual situations that are deemed exploitative.  In the United States, convicted sexual offenders and sexual predators are usually required to register with their respective jurisdiction’s sexual offender registry.