Florida Record Sealing Attorneys
Last updated: May 2026
Sealing is the right path in Florida when the case ended with a withhold of adjudication and the court order specifies that no conviction was entered. Sealing hides the record from public view; expungement physically destroys it. Florida limits a person to one seal or one expungement in a lifetime, not both.
Who qualifies for sealing in Florida?
Cases that ended in a withhold of adjudication are the most common candidates. Certain charges are excluded by statute even when a withhold was entered — including domestic violence offenses, certain sex offenses, child abuse charges, DUI, and several others listed in Florida Statute 943.0584. The lawyer will confirm whether the specific charge code is excluded.
You must also have no prior sealed or expunged record, no current open criminal cases, and a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE.
How does the process work?
Same Florida workflow: FDLE application with fingerprints, Certificate of Eligibility, then a Petition to Seal filed in the original court. The State Attorney has the right to object. A signed court order seals the record from public view.
How long does it take?
Typically 9 to 12 months total.
How much does it cost?
FDLE fee $75. Court filing fees $42 to $75. Attorney fees depend on the attorney, the complexity of your case, and any related charges — ask any lawyer you contact for a written quote before you hire them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sealing and expungement?
Sealing hides the record from most public access. Expungement physically destroys most copies. Background-check practical effect is similar — most employers will not see either. Government agencies can still see sealed records and an index entry for expunged records.
Can I unseal my record later?
A court can unseal a record in certain situations — for example, if you become a defendant in a later criminal case, or if a licensing board has statutory access. Most private and employment situations cannot.
If I qualify for both, should I choose sealing or expungement?
You can only use one in a lifetime in Florida. Expungement is generally preferred when available. Sealing is used when expungement is not available (typically because there was a withhold rather than a dismissal).
Will Florida agencies still see the sealed record?
Yes. Sealed records remain visible to certain government agencies and licensing boards listed in the statute, including law enforcement, the courts, and several professional licensing bodies.
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