How long do you have to wait to get a pardon in Florida?

Asked by: Glen Jerde  |  Last update: March 13, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (24 votes)

Florida has among the most stringent clemency rules in the country. With over a three year wait to receive a response from the Clemency Board, it is important to have a professionally prepared application to avoid an even longer delay.

When can a felon get 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.

How long do you have to wait to ask for a pardon?

An applicant must satisfy a minimum waiting period of five years before he becomes eligible to apply for a presidential pardon of his federal conviction, although the President can choose to pardon at an earlier time without the applicant formally applying for one.

What is the pardon law in Florida?

Full Pardon – A Full Pardon unconditionally releases a person from punishment and forgives guilt for any Florida convictions. It restores to an applicant all of the rights of citizenship possessed by the person before his or her conviction, including the right to own, possess, or use firearms.

How much does it cost to get a pardon in Florida?

Florida Statute 940.04 states that certified court documents required for clemency are to be provided free of charge and without delay.

Second Chances Through Clemency: An Introduction to the Office of the Pardon Attorney

16 related questions found

How long does a full pardon take in Florida?

Florida has among the most stringent clemency rules in the country. With over a three year wait to receive a response from the Clemency Board, it is important to have a professionally prepared application to avoid an even longer delay.

Is a pardon better than an expungement?

Unlike expungement, a pardon does not erase a criminal record. Instead, it is a formal forgiveness for the crime, relieving the individual from the legal consequences associated with the conviction.

Can a pardon be refused?

Acceptance by the recipient. In United States v. Wilson (1833), the U.S. Supreme Court held that a pardon can be rejected by the intended recipient and must be affirmatively accepted to be officially recognized by the courts.

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.

What is the difference between clemency and a pardon?

Executive Clemency is an act of mercy or leniency from certain consequences of a criminal conviction, and is exercised by the Governor after receipt of a recommendation from the Parole Board. Clemency can be in the form of a pardon, commutation, or reprieve. Pardon: A pardon is the remission of a penalty.

Has anyone ever refused a pardon?

While Wilson refused the pardon, a report in The National Gazette of Philadelphia dated January 14, 1841 suggests that he avoided being hanged—unlike his accomplice—and was in prison for ten years until released.

How do I write a letter to the governor for a pardon?

Clearly Stating the Request for Pardon

The request for pardon should be clearly stated in the body of the pardon letter. State the reason for the request and why it is warranted. Make sure to state the specific reason for the request and the length of time the person has served if they are currently incarcerated.

How to apply for a pardon in Florida?

How to Apply
  1. ⇒ Complete an official application form.
  2. ⇒ Collect and prepare supporting documents.
  3. Required documents:
  4. → A certified copy of the charging instrument (indictment, information, or warrant with supporting affidavit) for each felony conviction.

What kind of gun can a felon own in Florida?

According to Florida Statute § 790.23, felons are not allowed to possess or control any firearm, ammunition, or electric weapon. This statute also establishes that a convicted felon is prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon, including chemical weapons or devices such as tear gas guns.

What felonies can be expunged in Florida?

Felonies Eligible for Expungement in Florida

Common ones include grand theft (3rd degree), possession of controlled substances, and certain types of fraud. Certain Drug Offenses: First-time drug possession offenses can often be expunged, especially if you've completed a drug court program.

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.

What financial rights do felons lose?

In addition to not being allowed to serve on a jury in most states, convicted felons are not allowed to apply for federal or state grants, live in public housing, or receive federal cash assistance, SSI or food stamps, among other benefits.

What is absolute pardon?

WHAT IS ABSOLUTE PARDON? It is the total extinction of the criminal liability of the individual to whom it is granted without any condition whatsoever resulting to the full restoration of his civil rights.

Do you have to plead guilty to get a pardon?

One thing to keep in mind is that an individual who accepts a pardon would already have been convicted as being guilty, even if they did not admit that guilt themselves. So, using the pardon may not be an admission of guilt, but that is a position the court already holds.

How many people did Obama pardon?

Of the acts of clemency, 1,715 were commutations (including 504 life sentences) and 212 were pardons. Most individuals granted executive clemency by Obama had been convicted on drug charges, and had received lengthy and sometimes mandatory sentences at the height of the war on drugs.

What are the benefits of being pardoned?

The full benefits of pardon could include removing restrictions imposed because of the conviction, such as, voting, holding state or local office, or serving on a jury. It may also be helpful in obtaining licenses, bonding, or employment.

What is better clemency or a pardon?

Clemency is a general term used for the act of reducing the penalties of a crime, similar to a commutation. Also, pardons are actually considered a form of clemency. If you receive a pardon, you are always receiving clemency, but if you receive clemency, you are not always receiving a pardon.

What is the difference between a pardon and a full pardon?

A pardon may be full or conditional. It is conditional when its effectiveness depends on fulfillment of a condition by the offender, usually a lesser punishment, as in the commutation of the death sentence. The effect of a full pardon is unclear in some jurisdictions.