People often begin the sealing or expungement process by asking whether a specific arrest or case may qualify.
Florida's rules are technical, and this article is not legal advice. It is a starting framework based on FDLE guidance.
Get an accurate copy of the record
FDLE explains that individuals may request a Personal Review of their Florida criminal history to check accuracy and completeness. FDLE says there is no charge for that review.
Look at the disposition
Whether a charge was dismissed, withheld, or resulted in an adjudication can matter. The existence of an arrest record does not disappear simply because a charge was dropped.
Check prior history
FDLE's standard sealing and expungement rules include limits related to prior adjudications and prior sealing or expungement relief.
Review statutory exclusions
Some offenses are excluded from relief even when other conditions are met.
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility when appropriate
For the standard court-ordered process, the Certificate of Eligibility is the formal FDLE screening step.
Where the record is complicated, an attorney or qualified legal-aid organization can help interpret eligibility.
