Last updated November 2025
Yes — it can have serious long-term consequences.
If you’re convicted of a third-degree felony drug charge in Florida, it becomes part of your permanent criminal record. That record follows you into background checks for:
Employment
Housing
College or professional school applications
Loans and public benefits
Firearm ownership
Immigration status
That’s why your top priority after an arrest should be protecting your record.
📋 What Happens If You're Convicted?
Under Florida law, a third-degree felony conviction means:
You’re classified as a convicted felon
You lose civil rights (firearm ownership, voting, jury service)
The charge cannot be sealed or expunged
It will show up on every background check, indefinitely
Felony drug convictions in Florida are not eligible for expungement or sealing — even decades later.
🔄 What If You Get a Withhold of Adjudication?
This is a much better outcome.
A withhold of adjudication means:
You are not legally “convicted”
You retain your civil rights
You may be eligible to seal the record (depending on the charge and history)
Your lawyer should always fight for a withhold if dismissal or diversion isn’t possible.
🧹 Can You Seal or Expunge a Third-Degree Drug Charge?
Only under certain conditions:
Expungement: Only available if charges are dropped or dismissed
Sealing: Possible only if adjudication is withheld and the offense is sealable under Florida law
👉 Learn more about how to get your charges dropped in our post on beating third-degree drug charges in Florida.
🛠️ How a Felony Record Affects Your Future
Jobs: Many employers disqualify applicants with felony records — especially for licensed professions
Housing: Landlords routinely run background checks
Licensing: You may be disqualified from nursing, law, real estate, and more
Immigration: Felony drug convictions can result in deportation or visa denial
These consequences often last longer than any jail sentence.
🛡️ Don’t Let One Mistake Define Your Life
At Michael White, P.A., we help people protect their records, avoid convictions, and move forward. If you’ve been charged with felony drug possession in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida, call us before you make any decisions.
📞 Schedule a Free Consultation
📱 (954) 270-0769
📨 Or contact us online
📁 Frequently Asked Questions About Third-Degree Drug Felonies and Your Record
⚖️ Will a third-degree drug felony stay on my record forever?
Yes, if you’re convicted. A felony conviction becomes a permanent part of your criminal history and cannot be sealed or expunged in Florida.
🧾 What if I receive a withhold of adjudication?
That’s much better than a conviction. If adjudication is withheld and you meet eligibility requirements, you may be able to seal your record.
🛠️ Can a drug felony hurt my chances of getting a job?
Yes. Employers often run background checks and may disqualify applicants with felony drug convictions, especially for licensed or sensitive positions.
🧠 Can I lose my civil rights after a third-degree felony conviction?
Yes. Convicted felons in Florida lose the right to vote, own firearms, and serve on a jury — unless rights are later restored.
🔒 Can I expunge a third-degree felony drug charge?
Only if the charges were dismissed or dropped entirely. If you were convicted or adjudicated guilty, you cannot expunge or seal the charge in Florida.