How do I remove a felony from my record in Florida?

Asked by: Adaline Greenholt  |  Last update: June 20, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (49 votes)

Here's a simple guide on how to get a felony expunged:
  1. Step 1: Checking Eligibility. ...
  2. Step 2: Gathering Essential Documents. ...
  3. Step 3: Completing the FDLE Application. ...
  4. Step 4: Submitting to the State Attorney's Office. ...
  5. Step 5: Forwarding to FDLE. ...
  6. Step 6: Preparing "Petition and Affidavit"

Can you get a felony removed from your record in Florida?

Florida law permits you to expunge certain criminal records from your history, but this only applies to cases that were dismissed, meaning the outcome was not a withhold of adjudication or conviction. Whether a misdemeanor or felony, you can only expunge a case that didn't result in a finding of guilt.

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

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

How long does a felony show up on a background check in Florida?

Certain Florida background check records are subject to limitations under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act or FCRA. According to the FCRA's “7-year rule,” for example, certain criminal records must be removed from an applicant's history after seven years.

How to get a felony expunged in Florida for free?

How to Expunge Your Record in Florida for Free
  1. Step 1: Obtain necessary documentation required for the expungement process. ...
  2. Step 2: Complete the required paperwork accurately and thoroughly. ...
  3. Step 3: After completing the paperwork, file the petition with the appropriate court in Florida.

How to Seal or Expunge Florida Criminal Record | Sealing and Expungement Process in Florida

29 related questions found

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.

What is the second chance program 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the benefit of expungement in Florida?

Having your record sealed or expunged means that your criminal record will either be destroyed or removed from public access, making it confidential to the public, future employers, and common background searches, with certain limitations.

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 often are felony charges dropped in Florida?

Non-filed means that no charges were formally filed or that the State Attorney's Office decided to no longer pursue prosecuting the case. Throughout all of Florida, the report indicated an average of 22% of felony cases that were dropped during the analysis period.

How far back do criminal background checks go in Florida?

Generally, there are no state laws in Florida that regulate how far back a pre-employment background check can go. This means that some screenings can look indefinitely into someone's history—including criminal records.

What is the 7 year rule?

The 7 year rule

No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.

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.

What felonies cannot be expunged in Florida?

36 Crimes that Cannot be Sealed or 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.

How much does it cost to expunge a felony in Florida?

Most law firms charge between $1500-2000.00 for a record sealing or expungement, and charge you extra for attorney travel, mailing costs, copying costs, etc.

Do felony charges ever go away?

Felonies stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. However, if you seek expungement, it is possible to clear your record of the offense.

How to expunge your record in Florida for free?

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.

What is the last clear chance rule in Florida?

"The doctrine of 'last clear chance' has been recognized by this court .... It is founded upon reasons humane which forbid a wrongdoer from taking advantage of the perilous position of his fellow man to inflict injury and escape responsibility." Davis v. Cuesta, 146 Fla.

What is Florida Drop Program?

The Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) is a voluntary retirement program that is available only to FRS Pension Plan members who qualify for normal retirement. The DROP allows you to effectively retire while delaying your termination.

How long does a felony stay on your record 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.

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.