Expungement and Sealing Criminal Records in Florida
A criminal record can follow you for life — even if the charges were dropped or you were never convicted. In Florida, however, there are powerful legal tools that may help you move on: expungement and record sealing.
At The Bonderud Law Firm, we help clients clean up their records so they can apply for jobs, housing, and professional licenses without being haunted by past mistakes. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the Difference Between Expungement and Sealing?
- Sealing a record means it is hidden from public view, though it still exists in court and law enforcement databases.
- Expungement means the record is physically destroyed — with only one confidential copy retained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Both processes remove the record from public access, meaning employers, landlords, and the general public won’t see it in most background checks.
Who Is Eligible for Record Sealing or Expungement?
You may qualify if:
- You were never convicted of the charge
- The charge was dismissed, nolle prossed, or you received a withhold of adjudication
- You have no prior adjudications of guilt
- You have never previously sealed or expunged a record in Florida
Important: You can only seal or expunge one criminal record in a lifetime in Florida — choose wisely.
Charges That Can’t Be Sealed or Expunged
Florida law prohibits sealing or expunging certain serious offenses, even if adjudication was withheld. These include:
- Sexual battery
- Domestic violence
- Homicide
- Aggravated assault
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Lewd or lascivious offenses involving minors
Always consult an attorney to confirm whether your specific charge qualifies.
The Process: Step by Step
- Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility through the FDLE
- Submit the certificate with a petition to seal or expunge in the same court where your case was filed
- A judge reviews the petition, and may schedule a hearing
- If approved, the court issues an order to seal or expunge the records across all agencies
This process can take several months, and errors in the application can cause costly delays — or denials.
What Happens After a Record Is Sealed or Expunged?
In most situations, you can legally deny or fail to acknowledge the sealed/expunged record — including on job and housing applications. However, there are exceptions (e.g., applying to law enforcement, certain government jobs, or for a concealed weapon permit).
Take Control of Your Record
You don’t have to let a past mistake define your future. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we’ll evaluate your eligibility, handle the process from start to finish, and work to clear your name.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward sealing or expunging your Florida criminal record.
