How many expungements are you allowed in FL?

Asked by: Allie Rempel  |  Last update: April 7, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (1 votes)

In the state of Florida, you typically can only have your case sealed and expunged once in a lifetime.

How many times can you get an expungement?

There are no limits to how many times you can file a petition for a Section 1 expungement, and they may be filed even if the individual has previously filed for expungement of convictions.

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 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 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.

How Many Expungements Are You Allowed in Florida?

21 related questions found

How many times can you get an expungement in Florida?

In the state of Florida, you typically can only have your case sealed and expunged once in a lifetime.

What is the 7 year rule in Florida?

According to the FCRA's “7-year rule,” for example, certain criminal records must be removed from an applicant's history after seven years. These records include civil lawsuits, judgments against an applicant, arrest records, and paid tax liens. The FCRA also imposes a few additional restrictions on Florida employers.

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.

Does the FBI see expunged records?

A Level 2 FBI Background Check

A Level 2 check will even uncover those sealed or expunged records – especially if they involve the mistreatment of children, the elderly, or the disabled.

How far back does background check 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.

Does a felony show up on a background check after 7 years in Florida?

In the state of Florida, there are no laws limiting employers as to how far back they can look into a candidate's past regarding criminal convictions.

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.

How to check expungement status?

The best way to find out if this has happened is to go to the Court where your case was at and ask to see the documents. If they do not have them the case was expunged and some private company has the records and provided them when the background check was done.

Can you reverse an expungement?

A Type of Dismissal

Instead, it is used to clear defendants' records after sentencing. In most states, an expungement would not be reversed because the defendant already served their sentence.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.

Will an expunged record show up on a level 2 background check?

Typically, live scans cover criminal convictions within the last seven years, except for certain law enforcement roles that may require a more in-depth review, such as a Level 2 FBI check. The latter can expose all details on your record, including expunged records.

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

In most cases, sealed or expunged records do not appear. However, under certain circumstances, sealed records can be accessed, especially if you're applying for sensitive roles, such as jobs in national security or childcare.

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.

Can TSA see expunged records?

Thus, because the TSA likely already knows about your expunged criminal record, it is always best to be honest and forthright throughout the Global Entry application process and to admit to the expunged offense.

What is the clean slate law 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.

How much does expungement cost in Florida?

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

What kind of felonies can be expunged?

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.

What is the 183 day rule in Florida?

The fastest way to become a Florida resident is to establish a permanent home in the state, update your driver's license, register to vote, and file a Declaration of Domicile with the local county clerk. You must still be physically present in the state for at least 183 days.

What is the 50 50 law in Florida?

The 50/50 Time-Sharing Presumption

The key amendment is a presumption for 50/50 time-sharing, advocating that children benefit from spending equal time with each parent until there is a valid reason and evidence against it.

What is Rule 56 in Florida?

“In our view, the plain language of Rule 56(c) mandates the entry of summary judgment, after adequate time for discovery and upon motion, against a party who fails to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party's case, and on which that party will bear the burden of proof ...