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

Asked by: Nicola Sporer  |  Last update: November 28, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (43 votes)

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

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

$275.00 Fee to Seal or Expunge

Criminal Records include judicial records (Courthouse) and non-judicial records (police records of arrest, bookings etc.)

Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Florida?

Do I have to have an attorney to get my criminal history sealed or expunged? There is no requirement that you have an attorney in order to request a seal or an expungement of your criminal history record.

How do I get my record expunged in Florida?

In order to have a criminal history record sealed or expunged, you must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. After a Certificate of Eligibility is obtained, you can then petition the court for an order to seal or expunge your record.

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 your record expunged in Florida

39 related questions found

What cases 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 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.

How do you know if your record is expunged?

You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed.

Can I file for expungement without a lawyer?

You can do it yourself, but it is better to hire a lawyer. You want it done right the first time, and the process can be confusing for laypeople. It's best to hire a professional to do the work for you.

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.

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 federal background check?

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 do I check the status of my expungement in Florida?

Questions regarding the seal and expunge process or application status can be directed to SEinfo@fdle.state.fl.us. If requesting status information, remember to include a copy of your government issued photo identification.

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 considered a clean criminal record?

Lawyers will advise you that clean criminal records are ones in which no convictions are present. Some of the items that will appear on criminal records include: Convictions and arrests. Dismissals.

What charges 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.

How far back does Florida background check go?

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 Florida have a 7 year rule?

The 7-year rule in Florida is used as a reference point by courts to classify marriages based on their duration. Marriages lasting seven years or more are considered long marriages, whereas those shorter than seven years fall under the short marriage category.

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.

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.

Will a sealed record show up on a background check in Florida?

If a Florida criminal record has been officially sealed or expunged, the FDLE will remove public access to it and will erase it from the person's criminal history. Any changes to the FCIC are forwarded to the NCIC, where the expunged/sealed records are redacted.

How long does it take to have your record expunged in Florida?

On average, an expungement in Florida takes 5-7 months.

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 I get a federal job with an expunged record?

Expunged Records

Besides narrow circumstances such as hiring for public safety-related positions (e.g., law enforcement) and those that require security clearances (such as some federal employment), an expunged record is unavailable to businesses and likely illegal to use for any employment purposes.