Can You Get a Felony Expunged in Florida? (Eligibility, Process, & Cost)

To expunge a felony record in Florida, start by obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This requires a completed application, a fingerprint card, and a processing fee.

Once you have the certificate, you must file a petition in the court where the arrest occurred. It's advisable to consult a legal expert to understand the felony expungement process and avoid mistakes

Here’s a brief guide to help you gain a better understanding of how to get a felony expunged in Florida:

Step 1: Checking Eligibility 

Know the eligibility criteria for expungement. Click here and find out if you qualify for expungement with our free, 100% accurate, and automated eligibility test in only 2 minutes.

Step 2: Apply for the FDLE Certificate of Eligibility 

Once you establish eligibility, collect the required documents to apply for the FDLE Certificate of Eligibility, which includes:

• Fingerprints
• A certified disposition of the case
• Signed affidavit
• $75 processing fee

FDLE takes up to 12 weeks to issue the certificate.

Step 3: File Petition in Court 

After your Certificate of Eligibility is approved by the FDLE, file a Petition to Seal or Expunge in the county of arrest. If there are multiple counties, ensure the petition meets jurisdictional requirements for all related criminal history.

Step 4: Court Review & Hearing (If Required) 

• If no objections are received, the judge will review the petition and proposed order for compliance. If unopposed and all criteria are met, the court may issue an order to seal or expunge.
• If granted, the order will be sent to the arresting agency, State Attorney, FDLE, and other applicable entities.

Step 5: Order Granted & Record Expunged 

• If the judge approves the request and signs the order, the clerk of courts must process the expungement or sealing order. The petitioner must pay all fees, including the filing fee and any extra costs for certified copies.
• Once all fees are paid, the clerk will send certified copies of the court order to all relevant criminal justice agencies that were involved in the case.
• For expungement, most government agencies must destroy the record, though some may keep a confidential copy. For sealing, the records remain confidential and cannot be accessed by the public, employers, or online databases.

For a more complete Florida expungement step-by-step guide, read How to Expunge a Record in Florida (Ultimate Guide)