Can I Seal Or Expunge My Record In Florida After My Case?
By Jonathan Blecher on November 18, 2025
People make mistakes, but once a case is over, the last thing anyone wants is for the past to keep showing up every time someone conducts a background check. That one arrest or charge, even if it never went anywhere, can remain on your record for the world to see. You handled the case and are trying to move forward, so you ask yourself if you can seal or expunge your record in Florida after your case. That question comes up often, and the answer depends on the details, but in many cases, it can be done.
The process can feel overwhelming because there are rules, deadlines, specific forms to fill out, and a lot of waiting. But if you are serious about getting that part of your history off the radar, it helps to understand how the system works in this state and what steps need to be taken.
What It Means to Seal or Expunge a Record
These two options sound alike, but they’re not quite the same thing. When a court agrees to seal your record, it means the information is hidden from public view. Employers, landlords, and neighbors cannot see it anymore. Certain government agencies can still access it, but for most situations, it is locked away.
Expungement goes even further. If the court allows your record to be expunged, the documents are physically destroyed. Only one copy stays with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and it stays confidential unless a very narrow exception under the law allows it to be seen.
That is a big deal. If you have ever worried about your past showing up when applying for a job, a license, or even trying to rent an apartment, then getting your record sealed or expunged can make a real difference.
Who Can Qualify for This Process
Here’s the thing about record expungement that Florida law is clear on: not everyone qualifies. The number one rule is that you must not have been adjudicated guilty. If your case ended in a dismissal, was dropped, or if the court withheld adjudication, you may be eligible. But if you were found guilty of the crime or pleaded guilty to a conviction, even for something small, that usually disqualifies you.
Some crimes are automatically off the table, like violent offenses, certain firearm-related charges, and crimes involving minors or elderly victims. If your offense falls into those categories, then sealing or expunging that record might not be allowed, no matter what happened.
Also, this is a one-shot deal. Florida only lets a person go through this process once. If you are thinking about filing, then timing matters.
The Florida Record Sealing Process in Real Life
The Florida record sealing process starts with a completed application for something called a Certificate of Eligibility. That application goes to the FDLE. It needs to include a fingerprint card, proof of how your case ended, and a payment. The FDLE conducts a review of your history to confirm you qualify. If anything is off, it gets denied.
Assuming you get approved, then comes the next step. A formal petition has to be filed with the court. This happens in the county where the case was handled. You attach your certificate, explain your request, and file everything properly with the clerk. In many cases, the judge will decide without a hearing. In others, there may be questions from the state attorney’s office, especially if there’s any disagreement.
If the judge signs off, a court order goes out. That order directs various state agencies, law enforcement, and clerks to either seal or expunge your record. It does not happen overnight. The process takes weeks, sometimes months. But once the court order is final, your record stops being public.
What Confuses People
Many people think their record gets cleared once a case is dismissed. That is not true. Unless you actively file and complete this process, your record stays public. It can sit there quietly for years, showing up every time someone looks for it.
Another issue is trying to do it alone. The forms seem simple at first, but one small mistake on an application or a fingerprint card can delay things by months or shut the application down entirely. There are rules about how to file, where to send each document, and what kind of evidence the court needs. Trying to do it without legal guidance often leads to a rejected petition or endless back-and-forth with agencies.
Some people also think this process guarantees approval, but it does not. Judges still have discretion, and the state attorney’s office can raise objections. If the court finds something that does not line up, the request can be denied, even if you thought you were eligible.
What Has Changed in Florida
Laws change, and Florida has started to make small updates to how sealing or expungement works, such as more digital filing, slight adjustments to eligibility in limited cases, and updates to the FDLE website and how records are maintained. Each change can affect your case if you do not keep up with the latest rules. That is why it helps to have an attorney who follows these changes closely.
In counties like Broward County or cities such as Fort Lauderdale, the steps might vary slightly. Some courts require hearings more often than others. Some move faster while others are slow. It helps to know what to expect depending on where your case occurred.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
If you are serious about cleaning up your record, the time to act is now. At our firm, we handle these requests with focus and care. The legal process matters, but so does the story behind it. Every case is different, and every person deserves the chance to move on.
From verifying eligibility to mailing forms to FDLE to filing your court petition, we take care of the details. We answer your questions. We help you understand the difference between getting a record sealed or expunged. We do it because we know what is at stake.
If you are wondering how to seal my record in Florida or thinking whether it is time to expunge my case in Florida, start with a real conversation. You will get honest answers, real support, and a clear path forward.
To take the next step, learn more by visiting our page on Understanding Florida DUI Laws. If you are ready to start, contact Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A.
