Will the state of Florida hire felons?

Asked by: Christ Russel IV  |  Last update: October 5, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (33 votes)

Under §112.011, Fla. Stat. (2021), public employers cannot deny employment to applicants solely based on a low-level criminal conviction. However, applicants for jobs in the public sector can be denied employment based on felony or first-degree misdemeanor convictions that directly relate to their jobs.

Can you get a job in Florida with a felony?

However, a person may be denied employment by the state, any of its agencies or political subdivisions, or any municipality by reason of the prior conviction for a crime if the crime was a felony or first-degree misdemeanor and directly related to the position of employment sought.

Is Florida a felon-friendly state?

Florida law deprives convicted felons of certain Civil Rights including the right to vote, serve on a jury, hold public office, and restricts the issuance and renewal of some professional licenses such as real estate and insurance.

What is a disqualifying felony in Florida?

Disqualifying Offense: Any felony offense against a person, a child, or designation as a sexual predator (s. 775.21, F.S.), sexual offender (s. 943.0435, F.S.) or a career/habitual offender (s. 775.261, F.S.).

Does Florida follow the 7 year rule?

Origin and Reality of the Seven-Year Rule

However, this federal law does not apply to criminal convictions, which in Florida, remain on a person's record indefinitely.

How Can I Get A Job As A Convicted Felon?

33 related questions found

Does a felony show up on a background check 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.

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 felonies go away 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.

Can you get a passport with a felony in Florida?

Having a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from getting a passport. The State Department typically only denies passports for specific reasons like: Owing $2,500+ in child support. Being subject to sex offender registration requirements.

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.

What is the best state for felons?

50-State Comparison: Limits on Use of Criminal Record in Employment, Licensing & Housing
  • Utah. ...
  • Vermont. ...
  • Virgin Islands. ...
  • Virginia. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • West Virginia. ...
  • Wisconsin. ...
  • Wyoming. Wyoming has no laws restricting consideration of criminal record in employment, including limits on application-stage employer inquiries.

Can felons rent in Florida?

Blanket Policies Regarding Criminal History Are Illegal

You can deny an applicant with a felony conviction, but only if it was within the past seven years. Additionally, you can deny an applicant for domestic violence, assault and battery, sexual assault, and serious drug charges.

What states allow felons to work?

These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons
  • California.
  • Colorado.
  • Kansas.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Montana.
  • Nevada.
  • New Hampshire.

What felons Cannot do in Florida?

In Florida, a past felony conviction usually means loss of civil rights, including the right to vote, even after completion of all the terms and conditions of the sentence.

Does Amazon hire felons?

Yes, Amazon does hire felons. Your eligibility for employment will depend on the type of felony, time since you have fulfilled your sentence and corrective actions you have completed.

How far do background checks go in Florida?

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 felonies will deny a passport?

If a person has a conviction for trafficking drugs across country borders, then he or she cannot get a passport. It is also not allowed for anyone who owes more than $2,500 in outstanding child support or specific government loans.

Can you fly with a felony charge?

Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).

Can a felon join the military?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

What is the 7 year law in Florida?

While not an official law, many Florida courts institute a “7-year” rule when it comes to the length of the marriage. If the marriage has lasted longer than seven years, it's considered a “long marriage”, while a “short marriage” is one that lasts less than seven years.

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 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 7 year rule?

The 7 year rule

No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in the USA?

Many people mistakenly think that United States criminal records automatically clear after 7 years. This is inaccurate. However, after 5 to 10 years, you may be eligible for expungement, depending on state law. At that point, you can file a petition with the court to have your criminal record expunged.

Does FedEx hire felons?

Yes, FedEx has been known to hire felons in the past and currently. However, that does not mean all felons can get a job with the company. Like all employers, FedEx wants to protect itself from negligent hiring lawsuits. The company might be negligent if it hires a felon who goes on to re-offend on company time.