Panella Law Firm
1238 E Concord St
Phone: (407) 602-6559
Erase The Case
1060 Brickell Ave
Phone: (866) 372-7335
Eric J. Dirga, P.A.
Phone: (407) 841-5555
Alexander Pearson Law
1513 E Livingston St
Phone: (407) 385-0557
Leppard Law
638 Broadway Ave
Phone: (407) 809-8006
Hersem Law
1550 W Cleveland St Suite 9
Phone: (813) 251-7291
Moses & Rooth
115 Granada Ct
Phone: (407) 993-2269
Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A.
2525 Ponce de Leon Ste 300
Phone: (305) 449-9069
Meltzer & Bell, P.A.
1601 Forum Pl #204
Phone: (561) 557-8686
Morris Law Firm, P.A.
111 2nd Ave NE #515
Phone: (727) 388-4736
Leifert & Leifert
2160 W Atlantic Ave 2nd floor
Phone: (561) 988-8000
Richard E. Hornsby, P.A.
1217 E Robinson St
Phone: (407) 540-1551
Stroleny Law
66 W Flagler St Suite 1005
Phone: (305) 615-1285
Florida DUI Lawyer
420 NW 27th Ave a
Phone: (786) 408-7840
Corey I. Cohen & Associates
21 Park Lake St
Phone: (407) 680-2093
OA Law Firm
550 N Reo St suit 300
Phone: (813) 461-5291
Hanlon Law
210 N Pierce St
Phone: (813) 228-7095
Bryce A. Fetter, P.A.
450 Wymore Rd
Phone: (407) 740-7275
The Umansky Law Firm
1945 E Michigan St
Phone: (407) 305-9392
Florida Defense Team
605 E Robinson St # 250
Phone: (407) 800-2000
First Coast Criminal Defense
1805 Copeland St
Phone: (904) 474-3115
The Rivas Law Firm, P.A.
2307 Lee Rd
Phone: (407) 553-9344
Metcalf Falls
2011 W Cleveland St suite a-1
Phone: (813) 820-6706
Dave L. Simmons, P.A.
633 S Federal Hwy #200b
Phone: (954) 765-3540
J. Kevin Hayslett
250 N Belcher Rd. STE 102
Phone: (727) 306-0273
The Rudman Law Group
101 Plaza Real S Suite 214
Phone: (561) 464-2615
Mandell & Fosah Law
189 S Orange Ave #810
Phone: (407) 956-1180
Jeff Lotter Law
200 E Robinson St Suite 1140
Phone: (407) 500-7000
Robert David Malove Law
200 SE 9th St
Phone: (954) 519-7879
Taracks & Associates
3210 W Cypress St
Phone: (813) 281-2897
Musca Law
625 E Twiggs St Suite 1000 Unit 117
Phone: (813) 362-5623
Ohle & Ohle, P.A.
423 Delaware Ave
Phone: (772) 460-9801
R. David Williams, P.A.
15 SW 10th St
Phone: (954) 787-1282
George Reres Law, P.A.
973 W State Rd 84
Phone: (954) 543-1186
Daytona Defense
444 Seabreeze Blvd #715
Phone: (386) 230-3347
Patrick B. Courtney, P.A.
1401 E 22nd Ave.
Phone: (813) 252-1529
Brian Palacios Law
3502 Henderson Blvd #210
Phone: (813) 461-3457
The Wiseman Law Firm
1115 E Livingston St Suite 1000
Phone: (407) 603-3326
John P. Guidry II, P.A.
320 N Magnolia Ave #B1
Phone: (407) 423-1117
David M. Edelstein, PA
4770 Biscayne Blvd STE 1250
Phone: (305) 538-4545
Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
555 NE 15th St PHA
Phone: (786) 952-7363
St Petersburg Criminal Defense Attorneys
5858 Central Ave suite c
Phone: (727) 381-2300
Perlet & Shiner, P.A.
1801 Centrepark Dr E STE 110
Phone: (561) 721-0552
Sammis Law Firm
1005 N Marion St
Phone: (813) 250-0500
Florida Justice Center
2598 E Sunrise Blvd #2104
Phone: (954) 758-7555
LeRoy Law, PA
120 S Olive Ave Suite 705
Phone: (561) 290-2730
Thomas & Paulk, P.A.
217 N Howard Ave STE 100
Phone: (813) 221-4200
The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C.
400 Carillon Pkwy 130 130
Phone: (888) 258-8049
Soler & Simon
2170 Main St STE 206
Phone: (941) 444-5128
The AM Lawyer P.A.
605 E Robinson St # 250
Phone: (407) 487-2087
Longwell Lawyers
390 N Orange Ave #1825
Phone: (407) 537-5597
Grozinger Law, P.A.
545 Delaney Ave Suite 5
Phone: (407) 730-3085
A. Randall Haas Law
110 SE 6th St #1748
Phone: (954) 763-9211
Stechschulte Nell
1105 W Swann Ave
Phone: (813) 491-1073
Michael A Misa, P.A.
218 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Phone: (813) 307-9801
The Rodriguez Law Office
690 E Davidson St
Phone: (863) 774-4556
Michael Mirer, P.A.
100 Biscayne Blvd #1300
Phone: (305) 570-4161
Timothy Hessinger Law
540 4th St N
Phone: (888) 863-7415
The Defense Group
3708 S John Young Pkwy Suite D
Phone: (321) 321-9402
Phillip T. Ridolfo, Jr. Law
319 Clematis St Suite 604
Phone: (561) 475-2752
Smith & Eulo Law Firm
1105 E Concord St
Phone: (407) 930-8912
David W. Olson Law
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd #1400
Phone: (561) 833-8866
Grajek Trial Attorney
112 E Poinsettia St
Phone: (863) 880-1275
Tilden Law
1177 Louisiana Ave #212
Phone: (407) 599-1234
Orlando Defense
6735 Conroy Rd STE 312
Phone: (774) 368-5188
Miami Criminal Defense Attorney
11401 SW 40th St #204
Phone: (305) 209-0384
Florida provides two main tools to clean up a criminal history record: sealing and expunction under Chapter 943. Sealing makes the record nonpublic and tightly limits access by most private background screeners, while expunction removes the record from most systems and limits disclosure even further. The process runs through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a Certificate of Eligibility and then through the local court for a judge’s order, so careful paperwork and service keep things moving.
How much does expungement cost in Florida?
The FDLE application fee for a Certificate of Eligibility is modest and you should also plan for fingerprinting costs and any clerk copying fees. Attorney fees are separate and depend on the number of cases and the need for hearings or extra research. If money is tight, ask about payment plans and check for legal aid or public defender clinics that assist eligible residents.
Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Florida?
You can handle the process yourself by following the FDLE instructions and your local court’s filing rules. Many people still hire a lawyer because eligibility rules, service requirements, and local practices can be tricky and a mistake stalls the case. A lawyer also speaks in court if a hearing is set and fixes problems quickly when the prosecutor or clerk raises issues.
How long does expungement take in Florida?
The FDLE review for a Certificate of Eligibility usually takes weeks, and busy periods can push that longer. After you file in court, timelines vary by county and by judge, and some cases are granted on the papers while others are set for a short hearing. Expect a few months from start to finish if your packet is complete and you respond quickly to any requests.
What is the current expungement law in Florida?
Florida law in Chapter 943 covers expunction and sealing of criminal history records for qualifying cases. The main sections are 943.0585 for expunction and 943.059 for sealing, with separate laws for juvenile diversion expunction, human trafficking victims, and administrative expunctions. The rules include offense exclusions, one case limits in many situations, and strict eligibility checks.
Will an expunged record show up on a background check in Florida?
Standard private background checks should not report an expunged case because the record is removed from public access. Certain agencies can still access information for limited legal reasons, including criminal justice uses and specific licensing reviews. Keep certified copies of your order so you can fix report errors if a screener fails to update its data.
What is the benefit of expungement in Florida?
Expunction removes public access to the case and lets you deny the record in most private job and housing situations that ask about criminal history. It improves outcomes with many background screeners that rely on public court data. It also reduces awkward explanations during interviews and helps you move forward with a cleaner profile.
Can I get help with expungement in Florida?
Yes, several counties have self help centers that explain local filing steps and provide forms. Some legal aid groups and public defender offices run record clearing clinics that help with FDLE paperwork and court filings. Nonprofit organizations also host workshops that walk through fingerprints, application packets, and follow up tasks.
Do I have to disclose a felony after seven years in Florida?
Time alone does not change disclosure rules in Florida. If your record is sealed or expunged, you can deny the case in most private settings unless a law requires disclosure for that position. If the case is still public, expect the question to come up on many applications regardless of age.
How many times can I expunge my record in Florida?
Most adults can receive one court ordered expunction for a single case, with narrow exceptions created by specific statutes. Sealing also follows strict limits and you must maintain eligibility at every step. Juvenile diversion expunction is a separate path and does not count against the adult limit in many situations.
How far back do background checks go in Florida?
Private screeners often focus on recent years, but many vendors will report older convictions that are still public. Florida has no general time limit that erases public records automatically. Sealing or expunction is the tool that changes what appears on most reports.
After expungement, can I answer no to conviction questions?
In most private employment and housing applications you may answer no because the record is not public. There are exceptions for certain licenses and government applications that require disclosure and allow agencies to view nonpublic records. Read the question carefully and keep your order handy so you can give accurate information when the law requires it.
Can I file for expungement myself in Florida?
Yes, the FDLE website provides a checklist, forms, and mailing instructions for the Certificate of Eligibility. You will also need to file a petition in the correct court once the certificate arrives and follow local rules on service and proposed orders. Many people still consult a lawyer for a quick review so the packet is clean before it goes out.
Can a felony be removed from a record in Florida?
Some felony cases qualify for sealing or expunction if they do not fall into excluded categories and you meet all eligibility rules. Violent, sexual, and other listed offenses are not eligible. A detailed review of the arrest, charges, and final disposition is needed to confirm your path.
Is there a seven year rule for clearing records in Florida?
No general seven year rule wipes out cases in Florida. Clearing happens by sealing or expunction under Chapter 943 after you qualify and obtain a judge’s order. Waiting periods can apply for some paths, but they are not a blanket timer that erases records.
Does Florida have a clean slate law?
Florida does not run a broad automatic clean slate program for adult convictions. The state uses a case by case system that starts with FDLE review and ends with a court order. Separate rules exist for juvenile diversion outcomes and for victims of human trafficking.
What is the difference between sealing and expungement in Florida?
Sealing makes the record nonpublic but keeps it with access for limited entities, while expunction removes the record from many systems and forces agencies to say the record has been expunged when asked. Both block most private background checks. Some people must seal first and later request expunction if the case meets the upgrade rule.
Who is generally eligible for sealing or expungement in Florida?
Eligibility depends on the offense, the outcome, and your history. You cannot have been adjudicated guilty of any crime listed as disqualifying and you cannot have sealed or expunged a case before unless a statute allows it. The facts of the arrest and the final court disposition control the analysis.
What offenses are disqualified from sealing or expungement?
Florida statutes list serious offenses that cannot be sealed and many cannot be expunged, including most sex offenses, many violent crimes, and specified crimes against children. The list is specific and updated by law, so you must check the text for your exact charge. If your arrest was dismissed before filing and truly qualifies, expunction may still be possible under the right section.
What disqualifies someone from a Level 2 background check in Florida?
Level 2 screening looks at fingerprint based state and national data and compares it to statutory disqualifying offenses for the role. If you have a listed disqualifying conviction, an employer or agency may not be able to hire you until the law says you are eligible again or an exemption applies. Sealing or expunction can change what is visible to many private parties, but specific agencies can still view nonpublic data when the statute allows it.
Can juveniles clear records in Florida?
Florida has a juvenile diversion expunction for eligible cases that complete a qualified diversion program. There are also other juvenile record relief paths based on final outcomes and age limits. The FDLE site and statutes explain the steps and the paperwork for each path.
What is an administrative expunction?
Administrative expunction removes an arrest that was made by mistake or based on a clerical error. The request goes through law enforcement and FDLE rather than a courtroom petition. It is narrow in scope but powerful when the arrest never should have happened.
What are the basic steps to seal or expunge a record in Florida?
First, get fingerprints and submit the FDLE application with required documents to seek a Certificate of Eligibility. After the certificate arrives, file a petition in the correct circuit court with the proposed order and serve all required parties. If a hearing is set, you or your lawyer appear, and once granted, agencies are notified to update their files.
Do I need fingerprints for the FDLE Certificate of Eligibility?
Yes, fingerprinting is a required part of the FDLE application and confirms identity for the criminal history search. Use the approved method listed by FDLE and keep your receipt. Errors in fingerprint cards can delay everything, so follow the instructions closely.
Will I have a court hearing for my expungement?
Some judges grant petitions on the papers when the prosecutor does not object and the packet is clean. Other courts set short hearings as a standard step to confirm eligibility and finalize the order. Plan to attend or have your lawyer appear so the order can be entered without delay.
Are there waiting periods for Florida expungement or sealing?
Waiting rules depend on the type of relief and your history. Some paths require that you complete the case and remain free of disqualifying adjudications before you apply. The FDLE checklist and the statutes show timing requirements so you can plan the filing date.
Does expungement restore firearm rights in Florida?
Expunction or sealing does not automatically restore firearm rights if they were lost due to a conviction. Rights restoration follows separate laws and timelines and may require a distinct application. Review the underlying reason for the loss and the statute that controls restoration before you make assumptions.
How can expungement affect immigration cases?
Nonpublic records and expunction help with many private background checks, but immigration agencies can access underlying records and police reports. You should have an immigration lawyer review the criminal case history before filing so your strategy fits federal rules. Bring certified copies to your consultation so analysis is precise.
Will expungement help with professional licensing?
Many boards ask for disclosure even after sealing or expunction and can request records directly from agencies. Relief still helps because the record is not public and you present a court order showing the outcome. Be honest on forms and attach the order so the board sees the full context.
What should I do after my expungement is granted?
Keep certified copies of the order and check your case docket to confirm updates. Pull a consumer background report from major vendors and dispute any errors you find. If a private screener reports the old case, send your order and ask for a corrected report.
How do I check the status of my FDLE application?
FDLE shares processing updates and you can contact the office listed on the application instructions for current timelines. Keep your mailing address current and watch for requests for missing items. The process moves faster when your packet is complete and readable.
Can one Certificate of Eligibility cover multiple cases?
Generally the certificate is tied to a single arrest or case number. Trying to combine cases in one request leads to delays or denials. If you have multiple arrests, plan separate strategies based on eligibility and the one case rule.
Can I expunge an out of state arrest through Florida courts?
Florida courts address Florida arrests and Florida records. Out of state cases must be handled under the laws of the state where the arrest occurred. You can still expunge a Florida case while you work with counsel elsewhere on a different record.
Can a sealed record be opened later?
Yes, certain courts and agencies can access sealed records for specific legal uses like new prosecutions or listed background screenings. The record remains nonpublic for general purposes. Expunction provides stronger removal, but some agencies still have limited access under statute.
Are fee waivers available for the court filing?
Many clerks offer indigency determinations that waive filing costs if you meet income limits. Bring proof of income and complete the application the way the clerk requires. The FDLE fee is separate and must be handled under FDLE rules.
Official Sources
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement — Seal and Expunge Process
- FDLE — Application Packets and Documentation
- Florida Courts — Sealing and Expunction Information
- Florida Statutes 943.0585 — Court ordered expunction of criminal history records
- Florida Statutes 943.059 — Court ordered sealing of criminal history records
- Florida Statutes 943.0582 — Juvenile diversion expunction
- Florida Statutes 943.0583 — Human trafficking victim expunction
- Florida Statutes 943.0581 — Administrative expunction
- Florida Administrative Code Chapter 11C-7 — Criminal History Records Sealing and Expunction
- Florida Statutes 435.04 — Level 2 background screening standards
- Agency for Health Care Administration — Background Screening Clearinghouse