To pursue a clean legal slate in Florida, the first step is understanding the costs of expungement and sealing. In Florida, you can apply for expungement on your own, or you can hire an experienced expungement lawyer who will handle the entire process for you with ease. Depending on which option you choose, the total cost of expungement will vary.
In this article, we break down how much it costs to get a record expunged in Florida, whether you handle it yourself or work with a lawyer. With this information, you'll be better prepared financially and can streamline your expungement process.
The total cost to expunge a record in Florida typically ranges from $245 in mandatory state and court fees. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) charges a $75 application fee for processing expungement requests. This fee covers the review of your criminal history and ensures compliance with state laws. Payment must accompany your application and can typically be made by money order, cashier's check, or credit card, depending on the FDLE's guidelines. This is a mandatory cost for anyone seeking to seal or expunge their record in Florida.
Filing for expungement requires payment of court fees, which vary by jurisdiction and the nature of the expunged record. These fees are included as administrative costs associated with processing the expungement petition through the legal system.
In addition to court fees, additional processing fees may be charged for administrative tasks integral to the expungement process. These fees are part of the overall financial considerations when pursuing record expungement.
Retrieving necessary documents for the expungement petition may incur costs, such as obtaining copies of court records or other relevant paperwork. These document retrieval expenses are essential to factor into the total cost to expunge the record.
Some jurisdictions may require notarized documents as part of the expungement application. Notary fees are a consideration, adding to the miscellaneous costs associated with the legal procedures.
Mailing costs for expungement in Florida typically total around $36. This includes sending documents to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Clerk of Court, and, in some cases, the State Attorney's office. Using Certified Mail with Return Receipt is recommended for tracking and delivery confirmation. Each mailing generally costs between $10-$12, depending on weight and location, ensuring your documents are securely delivered without delays.
The cost of hiring a Florida expungement lawyer typically ranges from $750 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the services included. A basic expungement or sealing petition usually costs $750 to $995, which covers attorney preparation and filing, as well as the state's required fees.
More comprehensive packages, priced between $2,000 and $5,000, often include not only court representation but also background check removal from private databases and mugshot removal from websites, ensuring the record is cleared from both public and online sources.
These prices are generally flat fees that not only include all government costs, such as court filing fees and the FDLE application fee, but also cover unexpected expenses that often arise during the application and follow-up process, which can be overwhelming to handle alone.
Example: Total breakdown of a $750 expungement cost when hiring a Florida expungement lawyer:
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Expungement Lawyer Fees | $750 |
| Court Fees | $42 |
| Certified Copy Fees | $40 |
| Document Retrieval Costs | $22 |
| Notary Fees | $30 |
| Mailing Costs | $36 |
| FDLE Application Fee | $75 |
| Total Cost | $995 |
Beyond standard filing and attorney fees, some expungement cases require extra steps to ensure complete record removal. These additional costs cover optional but essential services that extend beyond the court order.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mugshot (each) | $250 |
| Mugshot (x3) | $595 |
| Background Check Removal Services (previous clients) | $1,000 |
| Background Check Removal Services (non-previous clients) | $1,595 |
| Attorney Legal Case Analysis Letter in Support of Background Check | $250 |
While most cases fit the flat-fee model, additional services may include:
These are always quoted in advance and never required unless requested.
Several variables can influence the final cost of expunging your record, even within a flat-fee model. These include:
We evaluate each client's situation individually and provide a clear, upfront quote before you commit.
Although it's legally permissible to file an expungement or sealing petition on your own, hiring a lawyer provides significant advantages:
In short, hiring an expungement lawyer is not legally required. Still, it is a wise investment to ensure your record is cleared accurately, handled efficiently, and resolved with the least amount of stress.
Erase The Case is a reputable firm specializing in expunging Florida records. With a transparent pricing structure starting at $995, individuals benefit from legal representation and a clear understanding of Florida expungement costs. This inclusive fee covers:
There are no hidden fees. We pride ourselves on full transparency.
We now offer our "Expunge Now, Pay Later" plan to make expungement affordable from day one. Start your case immediately with $0 down, and pay the total fee in low monthly installments-no interest, no hidden charges. It's fast, secure, and handled entirely through our client portal.
Visit our pricing page for more details, or apply for a free case review below.
Yes, we cover that as part of our $995 flat fee.
If we determine you're not eligible at the start, you pay nothing. We conduct a free eligibility review.
The total cost of expungement in Florida generally ranges from $750 to $1,500+, depending on several factors. This includes the $75 fee to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), application and processing fees, and attorney's fees, which can vary based on the complexity of the case.
Most expungement attorneys in Florida charge a flat fee, not an hourly rate, to ensure cost predictability. This fee often covers the entire process, including filing, correspondence, and court appearances (if required).
It is possible to file pro se (on your own), but the process is legally technical and can be time-consuming. Mistakes can lead to delays or denials. Hiring an attorney often increases success rates and reduces long-term frustration.
Expungement is a one-time legal process, so there are no recurring costs unless the initial petition is denied and must be refiled. Future legal services (e.g., mugshot removal or background check disputes) may incur additional charges.
