How long does a felony stay on your record in the state of Florida?

Asked by: Mr. Mose Heller I  |  Last update: June 17, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (23 votes)

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 felonies go away after 7 years in Florida?

In reality, as confirmed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, felony convictions remain on your record indefinitely unless specific actions, such as gubernatorial pardons or expungement, are taken.

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.

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.

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.

How Long Does a Felony Stay on Your Record in Florida?

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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.

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.

How to remove felony from record in Florida?

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"

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.

Does being a felon affect your credit?

Although your criminal record doesn't directly impact your credit score, the financial burden that accompanies legal penalties can result in significant credit damage. Legal fees, court fines, restitution, and loss of income due to unemployment or incarceration can cause you to fall behind on payments.

Does Florida have the 7 year rule background check?

The FCRA has rules for how far back pre-employment background checks can go in Florida and elsewhere. Under this law, CRAs are forbidden from reporting arrest records that did not result in a conviction to be used for hiring decisions that are more than seven years old.

Can a felon buy a house in Florida?

Yes, convicted felons can own property. Federal laws do not prevent felons from doing so.

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.

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.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in the USA?

Many people mistakenly think that United States criminal records automatically clear after 7 years. This is inaccurate. However, after 5 to 10 years, you may be eligible for expungement, depending on state law. At that point, you can file a petition with the court to have your criminal record expunged.

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.

How long will 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.

What can felons not 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 much does it cost to expunge a felony in Florida?

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

Is a felony ever removed from your record?

California Law

For example, in California, felony convictions can only be expunged if: no time was served in state prison, felony probation was successfully completed, and. you are not currently facing criminal charges, on probation, or serving another sentence.

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 long are you considered a felon?

A felony charge will stay on your record for life. The only way to remove a felony from your record is through a strict process called expungement (more on expungement below).

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.