What felonies cannot be expunged in Florida?

Asked by: Mr. Keshaun Nikolaus  |  Last update: July 17, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (18 votes)

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.

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 felonies can be expunged in the state of 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.

What cases cannot be expunged in Florida?

There are specific crimes that cannot be expunged in Florida. These include: Violent Crimes: Crimes such as murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, and assault are not eligible for expungement. Sexual Offenses: Sexual offenses, including sexual battery, child molestation, and child pornography, cannot be expunged.

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 Felonies Can Be Expunged In The State of Florida?

39 related questions found

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 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.

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.

Does Florida have a clean slate law?

Florida law permits an individual to expunge or seal a record only once in their lifetime. If you have previously sealed or expunged a record in Florida, you are ineligible to do so again.

What is a life felony in Florida?

Life felonies are reserved only for serious crimes such as murder, rape, treason, human trafficking, or severe child abuse in certain cases.

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.

Can a felon buy a house in Florida?

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

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.

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 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.

Can the FBI see expunged records?

Will expunged records show up on an FBI background check? It is possible. Although records that undergo expungement should not appear in most systems, the federal government's background check processes work differently.

Can you pass a level 2 background check with a felony?

Potentially disqualifying offenses for a Level 2 background check include serious criminal convictions such as violent crimes like murder, assault, and kidnapping; sexual offenses like sexual assault and child molestation; and major drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking and drug manufacturing.

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 felony convictions 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 benefit of expungement in Florida?

You will not need to worry about being turned down for a job or being denied a professional license because of the criminal record. Additionally, if you already have a professional license, obtaining an expungement allows you to keep the license.

Can you expunge 2 felonies in Florida?

With respect to the relief offered by these statutes, a person may only seal or expunge one arrest record in one proceeding. More than one arrest record may be sealed or expunged in a single proceeding if the court, in its sole discretion, finds the arrests in question to be directly related.

What happens to a felony after 7 years?

Do I have to disclose a felony after seven years? If you have an old felony that has been expunged, you can legally state that you haven't been convicted of a crime. However, the FCRA allows CRAs to report non-expunged felony convictions regardless of age.

Can a felon get a passport?

Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.