Expungement in Florida
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Florida allows expungement or sealing of records for most offenses, but timing and eligibility depend heavily on whether the case ended in conviction or dismissal.
How Florida treats Expungement
Florida distinguishes between expungement (erasure) and sealing; dismissed charges and acquittals may be expunged immediately, while convictions generally require a waiting period or completion of sentence. Under Fla. Stat. § 943.0585, most felonies and misdemeanors become eligible for sealing after a waiting period, though violent crimes and sex offenses face stricter rules. Once sealed or expunged, you may legally deny the arrest or conviction in most employment and housing contexts.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Florida.