Your criminal record may prevent you from obtaining lucrative job opportunities or from getting favorable treatment on housing applications. Fortunately, Florida provides various solid avenues to clearing delinquent records through sealing or expungement. If you want to start afresh in 2025, here’s what you need to know.
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Understand the Difference: Sealing Vs. Expungement
Sealing hides the charge from public scrutiny, and while unavailable to the public, some government agencies may have access.
The term expungement implies the physical destruction of the record, with only limited law enforcement access.
Either option would allow you to get on with your life, though each has different eligibility criteria.
Who Qualifies?
For each of these two processes, several conditions must be met for qualification:
- You were not convicted of the offense (adjudication must have been withheld).
- Prior conviction records must be clean.
- You’ve never had a record sealed or expunged in Florida.
- Your offense is not among the disqualifying list of charges the list includes violent crimes and sex offenses.
Steps to Clear Your Record
- Obtain a certified copy of the final disposition of your case from the clerk of the court in the county where it occurred.
- Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which includes fingerprinting and the processing fee.
- File a petition to seal or expunge your record in court and submit your certificate along with other required documents.
- If the court sets a hearing on your case, be present. Some cases can be dealt with without a hearing, while others require your presence before a judge.
Once Your Record is Cleared
After the sealing or expunging of your record, you can legally state that the arrest or charge never happened in almost all situations. This goes a long way in favor of your prospects with employers, landlords, or licensing agencies.
Summing up!
It may take time and several documents to erase your criminal record in Florida, but the benefits are worth all the effort. If eligible, take the step in 2025 of leaving the past behind and moving on toward a brighter future. An attorney with experience can be invaluable in navigating this process.
This post was written by a professional at Perl Law, PLLC. Welcome to https://www.perllawpllc.com/. I’m Brigette Perl, and I bring nearly 10 years of experience in criminal defense and personal injury law. At my firm, I prioritize open, honest communication so clients feel informed and confident every step of the way. Before founding Perl Law, I sharpened my skills at a top Tampa Bay defense firm and as a prosecutor in the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County. This dual perspective allows me to build aggressive, strategic defenses tailored to each client’s needs. If you’re facing legal challenges, I’m here to guide you with skill, care, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.
