How do I expunge a criminal record in Florida?

Florida record relief is governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 943 and administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

1. Two Remedies

Expunge (§ 943.0585): physical destruction of court/agency records (FDLE retains a confidential copy).

Seal (§ 943.059): records hidden from public view; you may deny the arrest in most circumstances.

2. Eligibility — Once in a Lifetime

You may expunge or seal only one criminal episode in your lifetime (statewide).

Must have no prior adjudications of guilt for any felony or specified misdemeanor.

Charges must have been dismissed, dropped, nolle prossed, or you completed withhold of adjudication (no formal conviction).

Adjudications of guilt are not eligible (except specific juvenile records).

3. Excluded Offenses (FS § 907.041 / § 943.0584)

Sexual battery, child abuse, domestic violence, kidnapping, lewd/lascivious offenses, robbery, carjacking, terrorism, manufacturing controlled substances, and dozens more cannot be sealed/expunged regardless of disposition.

4. Process

Step 1: Apply to FDLE for Certificate of Eligibility ($75 fee, fingerprints, certified disposition). Takes ~12 weeks.

Step 2: File petition with court along with the Certificate.

Step 3: State Attorney has 30 days to object. Court ruling typically follows.

Step 4: Court order distributed to FDLE, arresting agency, and clerk.

5. Automatic Sealing

Beginning Oct. 2019, certain non-conviction records may be automatically sealed under § 943.0595 (no petition required for arrests with no charges filed and similar dispositions).

This is legal information, not legal advice.