How to Remove a Criminal Record from Background Checks in Florida

A criminal record showing up in a background check can prevent you from getting a job, renting a home, or obtaining a professional license. In Florida, removing that record requires a legal strategy combined with expungement, follow-up actions, and legal takedown requests.

At Erase The Case, we specialize in removing criminal records from background checks in Florida. If your criminal charge is still showing up on your background check, we can help remove it completely from both official government databases and private background check databases

What Is Criminal Background Check Removal?

Criminal background check removal is a specialized process that helps individuals clear their criminal records from public sources, such as FDLE databases, and private databases, including commercial background check companies, online data brokers, and mugshot sites.

The removal process includes:

• Legal Removal: This involves either expungement or sealing of the record, depending on your eligibility. It is essential to follow up with government agencies to ensure that the record is removed from public view.
• Database Cleanup: After the expungement or sealing is completed, you may need to request the removal of your information from private entities. If they do not comply, further legal action might be required.

Even if charges are dismissed, your record remains searchable unless both steps are completed. Without legal expungement or sealing, following up with private database cleanup, a background check can still reveal your history to employers, landlords, and licensing boards.

Also Read: Who Can See Your Expunged Record in Florida?

How To Remove Criminal Record from Background Check?

Criminal background check removal in Florida requires both legal clearance through the courts and follow-up with private background check companies. Without completing every step, your record may still appear on employment, housing, or licensing screenings.

These are the seven main steps to remove a criminal record from a background check:

Step 1: Identify What’s on Your Report

• Request your background check from a prospective employer, landlord, or consumer reporting agency.
• Review the report carefully for any criminal entries, even charges that were dismissed, sealed, or expunged in the past.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility for Legal Removal

• In Florida, most criminal record removals require expungement or sealing.
• To qualify, your charge must have been dismissed, dropped, or not resulted in a formal conviction.
• Use our Free Eligibility Test to check if you qualify (only takes 2 minutes)

Step 3: Obtain a Court Order for Expungement or Sealing

• Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
• Complete the petition forms accurately and file them with the appropriate court in the county where the charges were filed.
• Once granted, your court order serves as legal proof that your record should be removed.
• For a detailed walkthrough of the process, see our Florida Expungement Guide.

Step 4: Update State and Federal Databases

• Provide your court order to the FDLE and any other relevant state or federal agencies.
• This ensures official government repositories update or remove the record.

Step 5: Contact Private Background Check Companies

• Private databases won’t update automatically; you must submit removal requests under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Step 6: Handle Non-Compliant Websites

If a website refuses to remove your record after you’ve provided proof of expungement or sealing:

• Use Google’s Removal Tools to request that outdated or harmful information be removed from search results.
• File a DMCA takedown if the site is publishing copyrighted content without permission (such as a mugshot photo you own the rights to).
• Pursue legal remedies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) or applicable Florida laws if the site continues to publish inaccurate or outdated criminal record information.

Step 7: Verify Removal

• Re-run your background check and conduct branded Google searches for your name
• Confirm that the record has been deleted from government databases, private background check platforms, and major search engines.

Our Florida Criminal Background Check Removal Services

At Erase The Case, we offer more than just standard expungement services. We handle every aspect of background check removal, from preparing court petitions to directly reaching out to private databases and mugshot websites. Our goal is to ensure that your record is completely erased from both government and internet sources.

What Makes Our Service Unique:

• All-in-One Solution: One of the few Florida law firms handling expungement, private background check companies, and mugshot sites under a single flat fee.
• Direct Communication: We deal directly with FDLE, FBI, data brokers, and consumer reporting agencies to guarantee compliance.
• Mugshot Removal: Request deletion from third-party mugshot sites and deindex them from search engines when possible.
• FCRA Dispute Filing: Enforce your federal rights to remove outdated records.
• Fastest Turnaround in Florida: With attorney oversight at every step, we deliver results faster than general expungement services.

5 Benefits of Cleaning Up Background Check

Cleaning up your background check offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly impact your life, including the following:

1. Improve Employment Opportunities

Clean background checks can open doors to better job prospects and career advancement, as employers often favor candidates with a spotless record.

2. Enhance Housing Options​

Landlords frequently conduct background checks when applying for rental properties. A clean record can significantly increase your chances of securing the desired housing, as landlords prefer tenants with a history of responsible behavior.

3. Give You Peace of Mind​

Knowing that your past won't hinder your future can provide a profound sense of security and peace of mind. You can pursue your goals and aspirations without worrying about your background holding you back.

4. Rebuild Trust​

Clearing your background check allows you to rebuild trust with family, friends, and colleagues who may have been concerned about your past. It's an opportunity to show that you've moved beyond previous mistakes and are committed to a positive future.

5. Restore Legal Rights

Cleaning up your background check can also have legal benefits. It may restore certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess firearms, depending on the specific circumstances of your record clearance.

How Long Does a Background Check Removal Take?

Once your record is expunged or sealed, background check removal isn’t instant. Most cases take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the number of private databases involved and how quickly they respond. Some may comply within days, while others can take over a month to process and confirm removal.

It’s also important to consider that some companies may require additional follow-up or documentation to act. This is why working with an experienced attorney can significantly speed things up.

Clear Your Background Check with Erase The Case

At Erase The Case, we specialize in providing background check removal services in Florida. Our background check removal lawyers are dedicated to helping you clear background check and criminal record information, allowing you to move forward confidently.

We understand the complexities of the legal system in Florida. ErasetheCase has a proven track record of assisting individuals like you in achieving a clean background check.

Why Choose Us?

• Proven success in removing criminal records from background checks
• In-depth knowledge of Florida expungement and sealing laws
• Direct communication with major background check companies and data brokers
• Personalized approach tailored to your unique situation
• Transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure your record stays clean

Don't let your past hold you back. Let us help clear your background check and secure a brighter future.

Contact now

• Free Case Assessment: Take The Test
• Phone: 1 (866) 372-7335
• Email: [email protected]

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FAQs

Can You Clear a Background Check Without a Lawyer?​

While you can contact data brokers and background check companies to clear your record, it can be complex and time-consuming. Hiring a background check removal lawyer helps protect your rights under Florida law and the FCRA, ensuring effective navigation.

Can you remove records that were already expunged?

Yes. Many background check companies fail to update their databases after an expungement. We help enforce your legal rights to have them removed.

Is background check removal permanent?

Once removed from third-party databases, records are generally gone for good. However, we recommend periodic monitoring to ensure continued compliance.

Do I need to go to court?

Not usually. Our team handles the process outside of court in most cases. If legal enforcement is required, we’ll handle it on your behalf.