Does Florida have a clean slate law?

Asked by: Hilbert Collier  |  Last update: May 17, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (17 votes)

Florida law permits an individual to expunge or seal a record only once in their lifetime. If you have previously sealed or expunged a record in Florida, you are ineligible to do so again.

What is the Clean Slate Act in Florida?

The Clean Slate Initiative passes and implements laws that automatically clear eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free, and expands who is eligible for clearance.

What records cannot be expunged in Florida?

The following is a list of 36 such crimes that appear on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's website:
  • Arson.
  • Aggravated Assault.
  • Aggravated Battery.
  • Illegal use of explosives.
  • Child abuse or Aggravated Child Abuse.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in Florida?

No, felonies in Florida do not automatically disappear after 7 years. Criminal records, including felonies, remain part of your public record unless they are sealed or expunged.

What states have a clean slate law?

Other states that have passed clean slate laws include: California, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia.

CleanSlate Florida Review - Jacksonville, FL

33 related questions found

Do felonies go away after 10 years?

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 do you seal your record in Florida?

Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records
  1. Step 1: Obtaining and Completing the Application. ...
  2. Step 2: Submit Application to the State Attorney's Office. ...
  3. Step 3: Submit completed application to FDLE. ...
  4. Step 4: Complete and File a “Petition and Affidavit to Expunge or Seal” ...
  5. Step 5: Filing the Petition.

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Florida?

Florida has no laws limiting how far back an employer can seek criminal convictions in a candidate's past. However, the state does abide by national laws, including the FCRA. The FCRA's Seven-Year Rule mandates that arrests not be reported for more than seven years on any background check.

Does Florida follow the 7 year rule?

Before 1998, the FCRA also prohibited Consumer Reporting Agencies from reporting criminal convictions that were more than seven years old. That restriction has since been eliminated. The FCRA's time limits also do not apply to education or employment information.

What states follow the 7 year rule background checks?

The following states limit criminal background checks to a period of seven years:
  • California.
  • Kansas.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • New Hampshire.
  • New Mexico.
  • New York.

What is the second chance law in Florida?

What is the second chance law in Florida? Florida's "second chance law" usually refers to the procedure to expunge or seal criminal records. The program assists those who have been arrested for certain low-level offenses in obtaining court orders to have their records sealed or expunged.

Will my expunged record show up on a background check in Florida?

In Florida, an expunged record should not show up for anyone, such as during background checks performed by private employers, landlords, and other non-exempt businesses. But law enforcement officers, some licensing boards, and federal organizations may still have access to your records sealed or expunged.

How much does it cost to get a record expunged in Florida?

An expungement in Florida typically costs around $995, but can vary depending on attorney fees and the complexity of your case.

What Cannot be expunged in Florida?

Remember, while many felonies might be eligible, certain serious crimes, like murder, sexual battery, and child abuse, cannot be expunged.

What is the Clean Slate Act of 2024?

The Clean Slate Act, launching by the end of 2024, will allow eligible individuals to have their criminal records sealed, promoting personal growth. To mark its rollout, I am hosting a Clean Slate Panel and Free Clinic on November 16, 2024 (12pm-5pm), at City College.

What is the Clean Needle Act in Florida?

On June 27, 2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law the Infectious Disease Elimination Act (IDEA) that allows county commissions to authorize sterile needle and syringe exchange programs for people who inject drugs. Disease prevention must be the goal of every exchange program.

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

What is the 183 rule in Florida?

Establishing Florida Residency for Tax Purposes

To become a Florida resident for taxes, you must: Reside in Florida for 183 days per calendar year. Maintain a physical presence in Florida most of the year. Have a stronger tie to Florida than the previous state.

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

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.

Do background checks go back 20 years?

How far back does a criminal background check go in California? In California, employment background checks go back for the prior seven years.

What disqualifies you from a level 2 background check in Florida?

Several disqualifying offenses can prevent you from passing a Level 2 Background Check in Florida. These include: Sexual offenses: Such as sexual battery, unlawful sexual activity with minors, and lewd and lascivious behavior. Violent crimes: Including murder, manslaughter, and aggravated assault or battery.

Does Florida have a clean slate act?

Florida law permits an individual to expunge or seal a record only once in their lifetime. If you have previously sealed or expunged a record in Florida, you are ineligible to do so again.

Can I buy a gun with a sealed record in Florida?

Sealed Records Only

It's essential to note that while sealed records carry additional disclosure requirements, they do not automatically preclude individuals from purchasing firearms or obtaining a concealed carry permit in Florida.

Can police see expunged records in Florida?

This means that if arrested, these police agencies will have access to your sealed or expunged record. Furthermore, if you are applying for employment with any of these agencies, you MUST disclose your sealed or expunged record.