Expungement Florida: How to Clear Your Criminal Record

A criminal charge can follow you even once the dust has settled, and a criminal conviction is even more persistent. Depending on the nature and severity of your circumstances, your record may be eligible for expungement. Florida laws for clearing criminal records are strict and highly dependent on the nature of the crime committed.

It is recommended that you hire a criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the process and avoid any common mistakes with the application process and subsequent administrative or court-ordered procedures.

Criminal Defense in Florida

Compared to the national average, both Florida’s violent crime rate and property crime rate have been significantly lower in recent years. Even so, there were 728,624 charges and 379,536 arrests reported across the state of Florida in 2025 alone. A single arrest can result in multiple charges in some cases.

If you are facing any type of charge under Florida law, it is important to know your rights and legal options, including how to clear your criminal record through expungement in Florida. When you obtain assistance from a criminal defense lawyer, you don’t have to worry about handling all of this on your own.

Expungement in Florida

You may be eligible to petition your local court to have your record expunged, depending on the details of your case. It is important to note that expunging your record does not get rid of the charge or conviction completely. Instead, it hides the documentation of it from the public record.

In order to file for expungement in Florida, you must complete a fingerprint card at your local police department or sheriff’s office and request a certified copy of relevant court records. Then, you must submit an application to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to receive a Certificate of Eligibility.

Once you are found to be officially eligible, you can petition the court in the county where the charges were filed. The decision of whether or not to grant an expungement is then made by the court. There are many different types of relief available to those seeking expungement.

You can only have one expungement of a criminal record in your lifetime in Florida, and if you are convicted of a crime, you are ineligible for expungement. It is also important to note that while expungement clears the incident from public records, it will remain accessible to certain government agencies, such as law enforcement, courts, and licensing boards. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer to see if you qualify for expungement under Florida law.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Florida to Discuss Your Legal Options for Expungement

James R. Amarosa II, Esq., is dedicated to helping Florida residents when they need it most. He is an award-winning trial attorney passionate about advocating for justice for people who need legal assistance in a judgment-free environment.

Navigating any part of Florida’s criminal justice system can be daunting, including the expungement process. With a Florida criminal defense attorney from Amarosa Law Firm P.A. on your side, you can have peace of mind knowing you have comprehensive support from a local law firm you can trust. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with a member of our team to discuss your case in more detail today.