Can you get a job in Florida with a felony?
Asked by: Hershel Orn | Last update: October 24, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (36 votes)
You may be prohibited from entering certain professions. Individuals who are convicted of sex crimes or felony offenses involving drugs or alcohol may not be able to work in professions including those involving children such as daycares, or as commercial drivers who require a CDL license.
Does the state of Florida hire felons?
Under §112.011, Fla. Stat. (2021), public employers cannot deny employment to applicants solely based on a low-level criminal conviction. However, applicants for jobs in the public sector can be denied employment based on felony or first-degree misdemeanor convictions that directly relate to their jobs.
What is a disqualifying felony in Florida?
Disqualifying Offense: Any felony offense against a person, a child, or designation as a sexual predator (s. 775.21, F.S.), sexual offender (s. 943.0435, F.S.) or a career/habitual offender (s. 775.261, F.S.).
What jobs won't hire you with a felony?
That totally depends on the felony, but any job that requires a security clearance, security, casinos (particularly dealers and cashier's and most public safety/public health jobs. Very few jobs that are public employment, whether it is federal, state or local are going to accept felons.
What felons Cannot do 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 Can I Get A Job As A Convicted Felon?
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.
Do felonies go away after 7 years?
Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. 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.
Can you work at Walmart with a felony?
Walmart will look at felonies and misdemeanor arrests and convictions for the previous 7 years. Violent, sexual, drug, and financial/larceny offenses are most likely grounds for disqualification. Walmart does not hire violent criminals. Note: Expunged records will not show up on a background check.
Why are felons not hired?
Employers' reluctance to hire such individuals may be prompted by law or by fear of litigation. Some occupations, such as those involving contact with children, are legally closed to people with felony convictions.
How long does a felony show up on a background check in Florida?
FCRA also has a “seven-year rule” which mandates that arrests not be reported for more than seven years on any background checks and convictions no more than 10 years. It is also important to note that this period begins when the charges are filed, not when they are dismissed.
What is the second chance program for felons in Florida?
The “Second Chance Program” helps open doors and change lives. The Second Chance Sealing/Expunging program helps individuals arrested for certain low-level offenses obtain court orders sealing and/or expunging their records. This enhances these individuals' career, educational, and housing opportunities.
Can a felony be dropped in Florida?
Prosecutors in Florida have the discretion to allow felony charges be dropped: Lack of Evidence: If there's insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, prosecutors may choose to drop the charges rather than risk losing at trial.
Does FedEx hire felons in Florida?
FedEx is an equal-opportunity employer. Like all companies, it must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and obey Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regulations. A felony record is not an immediate barrier to employment. Felons are more likely to receive a job offer if the conviction is old or non-violent.
Can you work at Publix with a felony?
But the answer is yes.
What convictions can stop you from getting a job?
Theft/Shoplifting – Any conviction involving an element of dishonesty or stealing is a huge red flag for employers. They may worry you could steal from the company. Drug Possession – Even a minor marijuana possession charge can disqualify you from many jobs, especially those involving operating vehicles or machinery.
How can a felon find a job?
- Know the details of your background check. ...
- Specify your intent to discuss the felony during the interview. ...
- Be honest about your history. ...
- Seek out organizations that specifically provide opportunities.
Does Amazon hire felons?
Yes, Amazon does hire felons. Your eligibility for employment will depend on the type of felony, time since you have fulfilled your sentence and corrective actions you have completed.
Does Target hire convicted felons?
Specifically, the company would not hire anyone convicted of violence, drugs, theft, or fraud in the past seven years.
Does a felony stay with you for life?
A felony will stay on your record forever in California unless you choose to take action and get the conviction removed. This is called the “expungement process” and generally requires the help of a legal representative to get underway.
Do felonies go away 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.
Can you get a passport with a felony?
Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.
What is the most common felony in Florida?
One of the most prevalent criminal charges in Florida is related to drug offenses. This category encompasses charges associated with the possession, sale, or trafficking of illegal drugs or controlled substances.
Which is worse felony 2 or 3?
In criminal law, a first-degree offense is the worst felony. It's worse than a second-degree offense, which is worse than a third-degree offense, and so on. So the higher the degree, the lesser the crime.
What does having a felony prevent you from doing in Florida?
Furthermore, being convicted of a felony in Florida can result in the loss of certain civil rights. For example, individuals with felony convictions may lose their right to vote, serve on a jury, or own firearms.