Sealing and Expungement in Florida: Clearing Your Criminal Record

In Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach counties, and all of Florida, a criminal record can limit your access to employment, housing, and education—even if charges were dropped or dismissed. Fortunately, Florida law allows certain individuals to seal or expunge their criminal records, with a few exceptions, offering individuals a chance for a fresh start. It is important to note that the records sealed or expunged will be limited to those agencies in Florida and access to the case information may still exist in other locations such as private websites. Removal of those records requires additional and separate work.

What’s the Difference?

Sealing the criminal record hides it from public view but keeps it accessible to some government agencies.
Expunging the criminal record destroys it entirely, with very limited exceptions.

Who Qualifies?

You may be eligible if:

You’ve never been convicted of a criminal offense or comparable ordinance violation in Florida.
You’ve never been adjudicated delinquent, for juvenile cases, for any criminal act listed in Florida Statute 943.051(3)(b).
The charges were dropped, dismissed, or you were found not guilty.
You were not adjudicated guilty.
You’ve never had a record sealed or expunged before in Florida.
No other seal or expunge petitions before any other court.
The offense is not one of the ineligible crimes listed in Florida statute

How the Process Works

Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
File a Petition with the court where the case occurred.
Await a Judge’s Decision and, if approved, agencies will update or destroy the record accordingly.

Why It Matters

Sealing or expunging your record can:

Improve job and housing prospects
Protect your privacy
Protect your reputation
Help you move on without a public record hanging over you

Need Help?

Navigating Florida’s sealing and expungement laws can be complex. An experienced attorney can ensure your case is handled correctly and efficiently.

Attorneys Jo Ann Hoffman and Associates, P.A. can assist individuals with taking control of their life by filing for sealing or expungement of past criminal records for a flat fee.