Last updated December 2025
A mistake made as a teenager shouldn’t define your future. In Florida, many juvenile records can be expunged, giving you a clean slate when it comes to jobs, housing, education, and more.
If your child — or you — were arrested or prosecuted as a juvenile in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, here’s what to know about expunging that record and why it matters.
📜 What Is Juvenile Expungement in Florida?
Expungement is the legal process of physically destroying a criminal record so that it’s no longer accessible to the public — or even to most government agencies.
In juvenile cases, Florida law offers several pathways to expungement depending on how the case was resolved, including:
Automatic expungement at age 21 or 26
Early juvenile expungement (age 18–21)
Diversion program expungement
Human trafficking expungement (for minors forced into illegal activity)
✅ Who Is Eligible to Expunge a Juvenile Record?
You may be eligible for juvenile expungement if:
You completed a diversion program successfully
You were not adjudicated delinquent (i.e., no formal “conviction”)
The charges were dismissed, dropped, or you were acquitted
You haven’t been charged or convicted of an adult felony or serious misdemeanor since
Note: You can’t expunge if you were transferred to adult court and convicted as an adult.
📅 When Does Florida Expunge Juvenile Records Automatically?
Unless you apply for early expungement, juvenile records are automatically expunged at:
Age 21, if you were not committed to a juvenile facility
Age 26, if you were committed
But waiting that long can hurt you — especially if you’re applying for:
College or trade programs
Professional licensing (nursing, real estate, etc.)
Scholarships or military service
Jobs with background checks
📍 Fort Lauderdale Juvenile Defense and Expungement Help
In South Florida, a juvenile arrest record can surface during background checks — even if the case was dropped. That’s why filing for expungement as early as possible is smart strategy.
At Michael White, P.A., we:
Help determine your eligibility
Prepare and file your FDLE application
Navigate local court procedures
Fight back against delays or denials
🕓 How Long Does It Take?
The full process can take 5 to 8 months from start to finish. It involves:
Application to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Submission of certified court documents and fingerprints
Filing a petition with the court (if required)
Awaiting approval and destruction orders
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is juvenile expungement automatic in Florida?
Not always. It may happen at age 21 or 26 — but early expungement requires filing an application.
❓ Will expungement erase my juvenile arrest completely?
Yes. The record is destroyed and removed from public databases.
❓ Can I apply for expungement before turning 21?
Yes — especially if you completed a diversion program or were not adjudicated delinquent.
❓ Can a juvenile record affect job or college applications?
Absolutely. Background checks can still reveal the record unless it’s expunged.
❓ Do I need a lawyer to expunge my juvenile record?
Technically no — but a lawyer can prevent delays, ensure accuracy, and speed up the process.