If you’ve been arrested in Florida but not convicted, you may be eligible to expunge your criminal record—a powerful tool for restoring your reputation and protecting your future. But how long does the process actually take?
Here’s a step-by-step timeline for expungement in Florida—and how to move it along as quickly as possible.
🧾 What Is Expungement in Florida?
Expungement is the legal process of physically destroying records of a criminal case from state databases.
It’s different from sealing, which simply makes the record confidential.
✅ Once expunged, a case is removed from public view, and in most situations, you can legally deny it ever happened.
But expungement is only available in limited circumstances, typically when charges were dropped, dismissed, or resolved through diversion.
🕒 Step-by-Step: How Long the Florida Expungement Process Takes
📑 Step 1: Certificate of Eligibility (3–6 months)
Before filing with the court, you must request a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This process includes:
Fingerprints
Certified case documents
Affidavit
Application fee (currently $75)
FDLE processing time:Often 90–180 days depending on volume
🏛️ Step 2: File Petition for Expungement (2–4 weeks)
Once you receive your certificate, your attorney can file the petition to expunge in the circuit court where the charge occurred. This includes:
Verified petition
Supporting documents
Draft order for the judge
Timeline:Depends on the court’s caseload—some move quickly, others may take weeks
👨⚖️ Step 3: Court Review and Order (1–3 months)
If the judge approves the petition, an order will be signed and sent to:
Clerk of Court
Sheriff’s Office
Arresting agency
FDLE
They must then destroy or remove records within a specified timeframe.
👨⚖️ Fort Lauderdale Expungement Lawyer
At Michael White, P.A., we help clients navigate the expungement process from start to finish—ensuring your paperwork is complete and filed without delay.
As a former prosecutor, Attorney White understands how to resolve any roadblocks quickly—and maximize your chances of approval.
🔍 More Answers About How Long Expungement Takes in Florida
❓ How long does it take to expunge a record in Florida?
Typically 5–8 months, depending on FDLE processing times, court backlog, and completeness of your paperwork.
❓ Can I speed up the process?
You can’t skip required steps, but working with an attorney helps avoid delays and increases your odds of success.
❓ Is sealing faster than expunging?
No. Both processes follow the same initial steps with FDLE, so the timelines are generally similar.
❓ What’s the biggest delay in expungement?
The FDLE Certificate of Eligibility step—this alone can take 3–6 months depending on volume.
❓ Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record?
Not legally—but mistakes or missing documents can delay or derail your petition. An experienced lawyer can help streamline the process.