Who can see sealed records in Florida?

Asked by: Josue Stamm V  |  Last update: February 27, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (64 votes)

Both sealed and expunged records must be disclosed in the following circumstances: You are seeking employment with a criminal justice agency. You are a defendant in a criminal case. You are seeking further expungement or sealing under Florida law.

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

As for your question if a background check company will see a seal or expunged case, the answer is - it depends on the state. If your conviction was expunged and merely set aside, but the public record was not sealed, then yes. However, if your state seals the public record once expunged then no.

Who can view a Florida expunged record?

In Florida, expunged records are generally inaccessible to the public. However, certain entities, such as law enforcement agencies, criminal justice agencies, and some state licensing boards, can still view them.

What employers can see a sealed record?

Will my sealed criminal records show up on a background check? Sealed convictions should not show up on any background check run by an employer or licensing agency, unless you are applying for a job as a police officer or a peace officer or you are applying for gun license.

Can I access my own sealed records?

You are generally eligible to see your own sealed records. If your court records were expunged, they may have been destroyed. If your records are sealed, you can go to court and request your complete record. You can also talk to your criminal defense lawyer for help getting access to your records.

Sealing and Expunging Records in Florida

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Can you open sealed records?

(1) A sealed record must not be unsealed except on order of the reviewing court. (2) Any person or entity may serve and file a motion, application, or petition in the reviewing court to unseal a record.

Can the military see my sealed records?

However, federal agencies, including the military, can access sealed records. As a result, it is a good idea to alert the military to juvenile convictions on your application, seeing as they will find out about them anyway when they conduct a background check on you.

Do I have to disclose a felony 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.

Does a Level 2 background check show sealed records?

While most background checks may not reveal sealed records, a Level 2 background check can access these under certain circumstances. Sealed records might still be visible for specific roles that require a higher level of scrutiny, such as federal positions or jobs involving national security.

Can I work at a bank with a sealed record?

Under this rule, financial services employers will not have to seek prior approval when hiring applicants with these types of convictions under the following circumstances: All convictions that have been expunged or sealed. One or two de minimus (minor) convictions.

What is the difference between expunged and sealed records in Florida?

Expungement offers a higher level of privacy as the record is physically destroyed, except for a confidential copy held by the FDLE. Sealed records are simply hidden from public view but still exist and can be accessed by certain government agencies under specific circumstances.

Do sealed records show up on security clearance?

Because of the serious nature of jobs that require clearance and because it is a government position, sealed and even expunged records may appear and undergo consideration during a clearance background check.

Does Florida destroy expunged records?

Expunged records should have been destroyed, and will not be available. NOTE: The Florida Bar is also an authorized party for records request purposes. (see statutes above). Details on several criminal history information searches for a fee, including those for the FDLE Criminal History Services program.

Is a sealed record the same as an expunged record?

Summary: Record sealing is only available for an adult arrest that did not result in a conviction, or most juvenile criminal records. Criminal record expungement is the only relief available if a conviction occurred, as an adult criminal conviction can never be sealed in California.

Who can see my expunged record in Florida?

If you are seeking to be employed or licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, the Agency for Health Care Administration, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, or the Department of Juvenile Justice, or you wish to work with children, the elderly, or disabled people (mentally or physically), those ...

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.

What disqualifies you from a level 2 background check in Florida?

Several disqualifying offenses can prevent you from passing a Level 2 Background Check in Florida. These include: Sexual offenses: Such as sexual battery, unlawful sexual activity with minors, and lewd and lascivious behavior. Violent crimes: Including murder, manslaughter, and aggravated assault or battery.

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.

What disqualifies you from a level 3 background check?

Level 3 Background Check Disqualifying Offenses

Identity Theft – Any involvement in stealing or misusing personal information. Fraud or Embezzlement – Engaging in deceitful activities, especially in financial or corporate settings.

Do felonies disappear after 7 years?

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 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 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.

Does FBI background check show sealed 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.

Can I join the army with an expunged felony?

Fortunately, there is a way in which individuals who have acquired a criminal record (whether convictions and charges have been expunged or sealed) can still enlist. Interested applicants must obtain a criminal record waiver.

Can TSA see sealed records?

The application process for TSA PreCheck does require running your fingerprints through the federal database. Your expunged crime may show up, but it doesn't necessarily disqualify you.