Why this matters more than most people realize
A criminal record — even an arrest that never led to a conviction — shows up on background checks for jobs, housing, professional licenses, and loans. Most people are surprised to learn that in Florida, an arrest can appear on your record even if the charges were later dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty. Sealing or expunging that record can be the difference between a job offer and a rejection letter you never get an explanation for.
Florida allows you to seal or expunge a criminal history record only once in your lifetime, with very limited exceptions. Filing the wrong type of petition, or filing with a disqualifying detail you didn't catch, can use up that one chance without actually fixing your record.
Sealing vs. expungement — they are not the same thing
Sealing removes your record from public view. Employers and landlords running a standard background check won't see it. Certain government agencies — FDLE, the Florida Bar, licensing boards, law enforcement — can still access a sealed record under specific circumstances. Sealing generally applies to cases where you received a withhold of adjudication.
Expungement goes further. Most of the record is physically destroyed, and in most situations Florida law allows you to lawfully deny the arrest ever happened, even under oath in most contexts. Expungement generally applies to cases that were dismissed, no-filed by the prosecutor, or that ended in acquittal.
Which one applies to you depends entirely on how your specific case ended — which is the first thing I review before we file anything.
What disqualifies a record from being sealed or expunged
- A prior sealing or expungement. With narrow exceptions, you only get one in a lifetime.
- A formal conviction (adjudication of guilt) on the charge you're trying to clear — sealing and expungement are not available for adjudicated convictions.
- Certain disqualifying offenses — many violent felonies, sex offenses, and other serious crimes are permanently ineligible under Florida law regardless of how the case ended.
- Being currently under court supervision for any offense.
Eligibility is fact-specific and depends on your complete criminal history, not just the one case you want cleared — which is why I review the full record before filing anything with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
The process
- FDLE Certificate of Eligibility. Before a court will even consider your petition, you need FDLE to certify that you're eligible. This application requires fingerprinting and a review of your full criminal history, and typically takes 6–12 weeks to process.
- Petition to the court. Once FDLE issues the certificate, we file the actual petition to seal or expunge in the court that handled your case, along with the required documentation.
- Court order. If granted, the judge signs an order directing the clerk of courts, FDLE, and the arresting agency to seal or expunge the record.
Because you generally get one attempt at this in your entire life, I review your full history before we ever submit the FDLE application — not after a denial tells us there was a problem we could have caught.
Cases I handle in this area
- Expungement of dismissed, no-filed, or acquitted charges
- Sealing of withhold-of-adjudication cases
- FDLE Certificate of Eligibility applications
- Juvenile record sealing and expungement
- Eligibility review for people unsure whether their record qualifies
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between sealing and expunging a record in Florida?
Sealing hides your record from public view, but certain government agencies can still see it. Expungement goes further — most of the record is destroyed, and in most situations you can lawfully deny the arrest happened. Which applies depends on how your case ended.
Can I expunge or seal a felony conviction?
Not if you were formally convicted (adjudicated guilty). These remedies are for cases where charges were dropped, dismissed, or you received a withhold of adjudication — not adjudicated convictions.
How many times can I seal or expunge a record in Florida?
Generally once in a lifetime, with very narrow exceptions. That's exactly why getting the petition right the first time matters so much.
How long does the process take?
The FDLE Certificate of Eligibility alone typically takes 6–12 weeks. After that, the court petition can take additional weeks to a few months depending on the jurisdiction.
What disqualifies someone from sealing or expunging a record?
A prior sealing or expungement, a conviction for a disqualifying offense, and being currently under court supervision can all disqualify an application. It's evaluated case by case.
Will a sealed or expunged record show up on a background check?
A properly sealed record generally won't appear on standard employer or landlord checks, though some government agencies retain access. Expungement goes further still.
Do I need a lawyer, or can I do this myself?
You can apply on your own, but because you generally only get one attempt in a lifetime, a mistake in the application or petition type can cost you that opportunity permanently. I review your full record before we file anything.