Will a sealed record show up on a background check in Florida?
Asked by: Jacklyn Hartmann | Last update: August 21, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (51 votes)
Sealed records are not accessible to the general public and should not show up on most background checks. However, certain entities, such as law enforcement agencies, may still access sealed records under specific circumstances.
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 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 the 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.
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.
What Shows Up on a Background Check in Florida
Will a sealed record show up on a level 2 background check?
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.
What does a Florida background check look for?
A Florida background check consists of searches employers perform to investigate the background of an applicant or employee. These typically include searches of an applicant's criminal history, employment verification, education verification, and other relevant searches.
How can I check if my record is sealed?
You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed. You can visit the courthouse in person, call them, or use an online search or contact tool (if available).
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.
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.
Do I have to disclose a sealed record in Florida?
Therefore, when applying to the Florida Bar you must disclose your entire criminal record, including sealed and expunged records. See page 14 of the Florida Bar Admissions Process guide. The process gets tricky when you cannot remember if you had a criminal record sealed or expunged . . .
Will a sealed record show up on a gun background check?
If your records are sealed, there are limited situations where your sealed criminal arrest, charges, and conviction may be seen and used against you. This includes: Police searches. Applying for firearm ownership and a carry permit.
What disqualifies you from owning a gun in FL?
What are common disqualifying factors for gun ownership in Florida? Common disqualifying factors include felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, active restraining orders, certain mental health conditions, and evidence of drug addiction.
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.
Can other countries see sealed records?
If your record is expunged, it will not appear in standard background checks and cannot be disclosed to foreign authorities unless legally required. Florida Statute §943.059 pertains to the sealing of records.
Will a sealed record show up on a background check in Texas?
Do Sealed Records Show up In Texas Background Checks? No, after the court has sealed a record, it typically doesn't show up on background checks.
How far back can a background check go in Florida?
How Far Back Do Background Checks Go in Florida? There are no legal restrictions on how far back an employer can investigate a candidate's criminal record history in the state of Florida.
What is the difference between expunged and sealed records in Florida?
The main difference between sealing and expunging is that when a case is expunged, the arresting agency, prosecution, and the probation officer's files are actually destroyed. Florida Department of Law Enforcement will keep a copy, however, it is not available to the public.
Can insurance companies see sealed records?
If they do a Standard BG check, they wont see Sealed records. If it is Truly Expunged, it is Gone. Of course they won't. If they do a Standard BG check, they wont see Sealed records.
Can immigration see sealed records?
When you apply for your green card, citizenship, or other visa, USCIS stipulates that you must disclose any past criminal history. This includes any charges or convictions that have been sealed or expunged.
Do FBI fingerprints show sealed records?
Sealed records may also be visible on FBI background checks, primarily through Live Scan fingerprinting. Sealing is a legal process intended to restrict access to certain criminal records, but it doesn't always guarantee complete confidentiality.
What does a sealed record look like?
A sealed criminal record looks like the crime never happened to the general public — but certain government and law enforcement agencies can unseal the arrest record with a court order and see any criminal history.
What is the 7 year rule for background checks 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 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.
What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?
INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.