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The Daily Insight

What crimes can be expunged in Florida?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on April 03, 2026

You may be able to expunge your record only if you were never convicted of a felony….They include:

  • Murder.
  • Child abuse.
  • Grand theft.
  • Aggravated assault.
  • Aggravated battery.
  • Robbery.
  • Carrying a concealed weapon.
  • Rape.

How much does it cost to get your record expunged in Florida?

This can be broken down in the following way: 1) $75 fee to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This is the state agency that approves your expungement or sealing application. 2) $42.00 to the Clerk of Courts.

How long does it take to expunge a record in Florida?

5-7 months
How Long Does It Take To Have A Florida Criminal Record Sealed or Expunged? The average time to complete a Florida record sealing or expungement is 5-7 months on average.

Can I expunge my own record in Florida?

In Florida, only those individuals who have no convictions on their record, regardless of where or when the conviction occurred, are eligible to seal or expunge their criminal record. People that qualify to have a past Florida criminal record expunged or sealed can get a fresh start.

What’s the difference between sealing and expunging a record?

The key difference between expunging a person’s criminal record and sealing it is that a sealed record still “exists” in both a legal and physical sense, while expungement results in the deletion of any record that an arrest or criminal charge ever occurred.

How much do Expungements cost?

Typical costs: Hiring an attorney to handle an expungement starts around $400-$1,000 for a single criminal charge but can run $1,000-$4,000 or more depending on the number and nature (misdemeanor or felony) of the charges, prevailing local legal rates and the status and experience of the attorney.

Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Florida?

Although you can attempt to seal or expunge your record without an attorney, hiring an experienced lawyer to help you through the process may save you time, money, and frustration. If you are eligible to seal or expunge your criminal record, this is one of the most important rights you have under Florida law.

Which is better expunged or sealed?

An expungement removes arrests and/or convictions from a person’s criminal record entirely as if they never happened. Even a court or prosecutor cannot view a person’s expunged record. In contrast, sealing removes a person’s criminal record from public view, but it can still be accessed through a court order.