What's the difference between sealing and expungement?

Both restrict public access to a criminal record. Sealing keeps the record but limits who can see it. Expungement physically destroys most copies — but FDLE keeps a confidential copy. Eligibility for expungement is generally narrower.

Will sealing or expungement remove a conviction?

No. If you were adjudicated guilty (convicted), the record is generally NOT eligible for sealing or expungement under Florida law. Withholds of adjudication and dismissals are the most common qualifying outcomes.

Will it disappear from background checks?

Most public background checks should not show a properly sealed or expunged record. However, certain agencies — including law enforcement, courts, certain licensing boards, and some federal employers — may still see it.

How long does the process take?

From the time you submit a complete application to FDLE through court order, the process commonly takes several months. Errors or missing documents can delay it significantly.

Can I do this on my own?

Legally, yes. Practically, eligibility analysis and the petition itself are technical — small mistakes can lead to denials. Many people work with an attorney to ensure their greatest chances at success.

Florida Sealing & Expungement FAQ

A criminal record can follow people long after a case is over. Florida law allows certain records to be sealed or expunged through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) — but eligibility is narrow and the process is paperwork-heavy.

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Record relief, explained without the legal fog.

Sealing and expungement can affect housing, jobs, background checks, and peace of mind. This guide breaks down what the process can and cannot do in Florida — and where eligibility can get complicated.

Every case is fact-specific. A lawyer can help you understand whether your record creates eligibility issues before you spend time and money on the process.

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Before you start

Start with the questions that matter.

Eligibility explorer

Disqualifying charges for sealing & expungement.

Florida law lists certain offenses that can prevent a record from being sealed or expunged, even when a person may otherwise appear eligible. Use this explorer to understand the categories and why they matter.

34 of 34 offenses shown

Eligibility roadblocks

Four reasons a sealing or expungement application can be denied.

Florida law gives specific reasons an application for a Certificate of Eligibility may be denied. This visual guide breaks the denial points into plain-English checkpoints.

Based on denial reasons listed under Sections 943.0585 and 943.059, Florida Statutes.

01

Checkpoint 01

Prior Guilty Adjudication

If the record shows a prior adult guilty adjudication, or certain juvenile delinquency findings, that can create a denial issue.

Driving violation note Certain driving violations are classified as criminal, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, and, with some exceptions, driving while license is suspended, canceled, or revoked.

Why this matters

Many people assume traffic-related cases are automatically separate from criminal history. Some driving offenses can still count as criminal matters for eligibility review.

Question to ask an attorney

“Does my record show an adjudication that could affect eligibility?”

Legal source language

Not sure where your case falls?

Sealing and expungement eligibility can turn on small details in the record. An attorney can help review the case history before you spend time and money on the process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Questions worth asking

Disclaimer. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal outcomes depend on the facts of the case, prior history, available defenses, the evidence, and applicable law. Speaking with an attorney is the best way to understand your specific situation.

READY TO MOVE FORWARD

See if you may be eligible.

We can review your record and tell you honestly whether sealing or expungement is on the table — and what would have to happen to get there.