Can felons get their rights back in Florida?
Asked by: Florence Koch | Last update: December 6, 2025Score: 5/5 (5 votes)
Clemency Application Information The Voting Restoration Amendment restores voting rights to felony offenders, except those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense, “upon completion of all terms of sentence including parole or probation.” Art. VI, § 4(a), Fla. Const. (2020); § 98.0751, Fla.
How does a convicted felon get his rights back in Florida?
An ex-felon's civil rights are taken away permanently until and unless he or she successfully completes a lengthy clemency application process and is granted restoration of civil rights by the Governor and the Board of Executive Clemency.
How long does it take to get your gun rights back in Florida?
In order to restore firearm authority, an application is required and there is a waiting period of eight years from the date sentence expired or supervision terminated. For more information on the clemency process and eligibility requirements, go to the Florida Parole Commission Web site.
What rights do felons lose in Florida?
Florida law deprives convicted felons of certain Civil Rights including the right to vote, serve on a jury, hold public office, and restricts the issuance and renewal of some professional licenses such as real estate and insurance.
How do felons get their rights back?
A person convicted of a felony loses the rights to vote, to run for state office, and to sit on a jury. After a first felony conviction, these rights are restored automatically upon completion of sentence if all restitution has been paid. (Unlike unpaid restitution, unpaid fines do not affect restoration of rights.)
Restoring Felons Rights in Florida
What rights are felons denied?
- What is the New Law for Felons in California?
- Loss of Voting Rights During Incarceration or On Parole.
- Lifetime Ban on Owning, Possessing, or Purchasing Firearms in California.
- Lifetime Ban on Serving on Juries After a Felony Conviction.
- Can Convicted Felons Hold Public Office in California?
How do I know if my rights have been restored in Florida?
The Florida Commission on Offender Review website offers an online civil rights restoration search, so you can determine whether or not your rights have been restored. Be sure to search under all variations of your name, including nicknames.
Do felonies go away after 7 years in Florida?
A felony conviction in Florida will typically remain on your record indefinitely. It does not automatically disappear or “fall off” after a certain period. However, under certain conditions, you may be eligible to have your record sealed or expunged, which can hide or remove the conviction from public view.
What is the 3 felony rule in Florida?
Florida's “Three Strikes” law (also known as the 10-20-Life law) is outlined in Florida Statute 775.087. When a repeat violent offender commits a third crime after their initial release, a severe prison sentence for the third felony conviction becomes mandatory.
How long are you considered a felon in Florida?
Our experienced criminal defense attorney will build a strategic defense strategy for your case. If you have been adjudicated guilty of a felony in the state of Florida, the felony will likely remain on your record permanently unless you ask your governor for clemency to restore some of your rights.
How much does it cost to get your gun rights back?
Gun rights restoration services start as low as $750, depending on the state in which your record occurred. We understand that cost is an important factor in choosing an attorney and we strive to keep our prices fair to our clients.
Can a felon live in a house with a gun in Florida?
Yes, it is possible for you to live with a felon and a firearm in the same house. However, the convicted felon cannot possess the firearm. In Florida, there are two types of possession: actual and constructive. Actual possession is when someone has exclusive control or custody over the firearm.
How to get a pardon for a felony in Florida?
Be a Florida resident. Complete all terms of their felony sentence (including term of incarceration, supervision, and all legal financial obligations) Must not have any outstanding warrants or criminal charges. Must not have been convicted of a felony sex offense or homicide resulting in the death of a person.
How do I remove a felony from my record in Florida?
- Step 1: Checking Eligibility. ...
- Step 2: Gathering Essential Documents. ...
- Step 3: Completing the FDLE Application. ...
- Step 4: Submitting to the State Attorney's Office. ...
- Step 5: Forwarding to FDLE. ...
- Step 6: Preparing "Petition and Affidavit"
How long can a felony case stay open in Florida?
Otherwise, a 4-year time limitation applies to prosecutions for a first-degree felony (Section 775.15(2)(a), F.S.) or a 3-year time limitation applies to prosecutions for any second or third-degree felony (Section 775.15(2)(b), F.S.).
Can a felon buy a home in Florida?
If you're interested in buying a house, you may wonder if having a criminal record could stand in your way. The short answer is yes—a misdemeanor or felony could disqualify you from getting a conventional home loan, but this is at the lender's discretion. Your specific circumstances could also affect your eligibility.
What is the most serious felony in Florida?
A capital felony is the most serious crime you can face in Florida. Protect yourself with the right legal help.
Which is worse felony 3 or 4?
While it may seem a bit backwards to some people, the lower the degree of an offense (1st Degree, 2nd Degree, or 3rd Degree), the more serious charges. Likewise the higher the degree (4th Degree or 5th Degree) means the offense is of a less serious nature.
What is a Level 2 felony in Florida?
Examples of second-degree felonies include extortion, vehicular homicide, and gun possession. Even though second-degree felonies aren't as severe as capital, life, or first-degree felonies, they still carry significant penalties.
What felonies cannot be expunged in Florida?
- Arson.
- Aggravated Assault.
- Aggravated Battery.
- Illegal use of explosives.
- Child abuse or Aggravated Child Abuse.
- Abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult, or aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult.
- Aircraft piracy.
- Kidnapping.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Florida?
The FCRA restricts most information reported by a CRA to a seven-year lookback period. This includes arrest records, civil judgments, tax liens, and most credit report information. It excludes bankruptcies, which may be reported for up to 10 years, and criminal convictions, which may be reported indefinitely.
Do felonies stay for life?
In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison. You can face serious obstacles until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history.
How does a felon get their rights back in Florida?
Clemency is the constitutionally authorized process that provides the means through which convicted felons may be considered for relief from punishment and seek restoration of their civil rights.
What rights do you lose as a convicted felon?
Under California law, a felony is a serious criminal offense that can result in imprisonment for more than one year. Felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanors and can have significant consequences, including loss of voting rights (while in prison), professional licenses, and the ability to own firearms.
How much does it cost to file for clemency in Florida?
Florida Statute 940.04 states that certified court documents required for clemency are to be provided free of charge and without delay.