Who has access to expunged records in Florida?

Asked by: Percy Altenwerth  |  Last update: June 24, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (52 votes)

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.

Can the government see expunged records?

Thus, private employers, friends, family members, etc., will no longer be able to see your expunged record. Government law enforcement agencies, on the other hand, will still have access to your criminal records even if they have been expunged.

What companies can see expunged records?

Who Can See My Criminal Record after It Is Expunged?
  • Criminal justice agencies (court administrative jobs, positions with juvenile court or state prisons, police officer jobs)
  • Human service agencies (social work positions, probation officer positions, counselors)
  • Department of Education (working in a public school)

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.

Will a sealed record show up on a gun background check?

FBI for background checks related to firearms. Courts can still access your sealed convictions and may count them for the purpose of sentence enhancement or for establishing the elements of a subsequent crime.

Do expunged charges show up on a background check?

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Do you have to disclose expunged records for security clearance?

If you do not disclose your expunged charges on your security clearance application, you could be denied a security clearance. You could also be subject to other consequences, such as disciplinary action from your employer or even criminal prosecution.

How far back do NICs background checks go?

The FBI's NICS system reviews eligibility based on current and recent events that would prevent someone from purchasing guns legally. For most criteria, the lookback period is typically around 5 years. However, some disqualifying events remain permanent.

Who can see my expunged record 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.

Can I buy a gun with a sealed record in Florida?

Sealed Records Only

It's essential to note that while sealed records carry additional disclosure requirements, they do not automatically preclude individuals from purchasing firearms or obtaining a concealed carry permit in Florida.

Does FBI have access to expunged records?

Expunged records can, in some cases, appear on FBI background checks, especially those conducted by law enforcement or certain government entities.. While expungement is meant to remove or restrict access to criminal records, the effectiveness of the process varies by jurisdiction.

How do I know if something has been expunged from my record?

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

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 employers see expunged misdemeanors?

Under California law, it is unlawful for an employer to gain access to information on an arrest that did not lead to a conviction unless there is a pending arrest. Employers cannot receive information on any convictions expunged or sealed.

What agencies can see expunged records?

Also, certain government agencies will almost always have access to expunged records. Courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and other criminal justice agencies can access expunged records for future criminal investigations and charging and sentencing decisions.

Can an expungement be reversed?

Rest assured that the expunged crime will not be reversed, meaning it will still be invisible to employers and landlords during a background check. However, law enforcement and the criminal court can use your expunged crime against you after a new arrest.

Will a sealed record show up on a FBI check?

Sealed cases are not eligible for disclosure in most pre-employment background checks. If there is a significant time delay between the resolution of a case and the decision to expunge it, its records may continue to appear in criminal-background database searches until records are updated to reflect the expungement.

Will a sealed record show up on a background check 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.

When can a felon get gun rights back in Florida?

In order to restore firearm authority, an application is required and there is a waiting period of eight years from the date sentence expired or supervision terminated. For more information on the clemency process and eligibility requirements, go to the Florida Parole Commission Web site.

How much does it cost to restore gun rights?

Gun rights restoration services start as low as $750, depending on the state in which your record occurred. We understand that cost is an important factor in choosing an attorney and we strive to keep our prices fair to our clients.

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.

Do expunged records show up on background checks on Reddit?

Almost certainly yes. Most background check policies will clearly state that you are expected to disclose all past convictions. The reason you need to disclose it is the same reason you wanted it sealed: it's embarrassing and could cost you employment opportunities.

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

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

What fails a NICS check?

Felony Convictions: As we mentioned, having a felony conviction on your record is the most common NICS denial reason. This includes any criminal conviction for a crime punishable by 1-year imprisonment or longer (even if you did not serve a year in prison).

Can you run a NICS background check on yourself?

No, you cannot personally conduct an FBI NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) background check on yourself. The NICS background check is typically performed by a licensed firearms dealer (Federal Firearm Licensee or FFL) when you attempt to purchase a firearm from them.

Can you buy multiple guns with one background check?

No. A licensee must initiate a new NICS background check for each completed firearms transaction. However, a person may purchase or acquire several firearms in one transaction.