Last updated January 2026
Even when charges are dropped or dismissed, the arrest itself can live on in public databases. In Florida, that means background checks, job applications, and even apartment leases can reveal an incident long after it ended. Fortunately, record sealing and expungement offer a path to a clean slate — and a second chance.
⚖️ What’s the Difference Between Sealing and Expungement?
Under Florida Statute §943.0585, expungement physically destroys the record held by most agencies. Sealing, under §943.059, hides it from public view but keeps it available to certain government bodies. Both require that you were not convicted and that your case meets specific eligibility rules.
If you’re unsure which option applies, talk with a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer who regularly handles post-judgment relief in Broward.
🧾 Eligibility & Common Misunderstandings
You may qualify if your case ended in dismissal, nolle pros, acquittal, or withholding of adjudication for an eligible offense. However, certain crimes — including domestic violence, sex offenses, and violent felonies — cannot be sealed or expunged.
To see how this fits your record, review Domestic Violence Attorney Fort Lauderdale: Defenses & Dismissals for examples of charges that typically don’t qualify.
🧠How the Process Works
The process begins with a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Once issued, your attorney files a petition in Broward Circuit Court. Judges typically sign orders without a hearing, but any prior convictions or pending cases can delay approval.
During this process, your lawyer ensures the petition meets all statutory formatting and attaches the supporting FDLE certificate and fingerprint card. Many applicants are denied because of paperwork or timeline errors — something an experienced expungement attorney avoids.
đź”— Connected Legal Issues
Clearing your record is often the last step after a favorable outcome in a criminal case. Learn more about how this ties to:
DUI License Suspension Hearings in Broward — because even a dismissed DUI may linger in DHSMV records.
Criminal Defense Lawyer vs. Criminal Defense Attorney in Florida— for insight into the broader Florida criminal process.
For an official checklist of required forms, visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Expunge or Seal Process page.
âť“ FAQs
1. Can I expunge a case if I was found guilty?
No. Any conviction disqualifies you, even if adjudication was withheld on a different charge.
2. How long does the process take?
Usually 6–9 months from FDLE application to court order, depending on backlogs.
3. Will a sealed record show up on background checks?
Most private employers cannot see sealed cases, though certain agencies (like law enforcement) can.
4. Can I expunge more than one arrest?
Generally, no — only one per lifetime, unless specific statutory exceptions apply.
5. Do I need an attorney to file?
You can apply on your own, but mistakes in forms or eligibility often cause denials. Having an attorney increases approval odds.
đź’¬ Contact a Fort Lauderdale Expungement Attorney Today
If your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may be just one petition away from clearing your record.
Contact Michael White, P.A. for a free consultation about sealing or expunging your Broward County case.