Florida Expeal Guide

Note: The links and statutes were last checked on January 31, 2026. If you're looking at this after that date, please check yourself to make sure everything is still accurate.

Florida allows for the sealing and expunging of certain records via petition.

Statutes

The following statutes govern the Expeal process in Florida:

• 943.0585 - Court-ordered expunction of criminal history records.
• 943.059 - Court-ordered sealing of criminal history records.

Official Government Links

Agencies

The following pages are important for you to be familiar with as you go through the Expeal process:

• Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Seal and Expunge page.
• Florida Commission on Offender Review's Office of Executive Clemency Pardons and Restoration of Rights page.

Forms

The following links lead to official forms required for the Expeal process:

• Florida Department of Law Enforcement's application for a certificate of eligibility.
• Florida Office of Executive Clemency's official application package to restore your rights.

Steps (Seal / Expunge)

These are the steps to seal or expunge a record in Florida:

Phase 1: Background & Verification

1. Step 1: Get Fingerprinted. Visit your local police or sheriff’s station to get three copies of your fingerprints taken on the official form; two for the process and one as a backup. Required Fee: Costs vary by station; call ahead to confirm.
2. Step 2: Request a Personal Review. Draft and send a letter to the FDLE to obtain a Personal Review of your criminal history. You must include the first original copy of your fingerprints.
3. Step 3: Review Your Record. Confirm there is no disqualifying information in your history. Keep a copy of this record for your personal file.

Phase 2: Gathering Court Documents

4. Step 4: Request Certified Dispositions. Draft a letter to your local clerk to request a certified copy of your disposition. If you had probation or parole, had to take any classes, or otherwise did anything outside of court, draft a letter to those groups and request certified copies of the documents that show you finished those things successfully. Required Fee: Costs for certification and mailing vary; call the court and any individual offices to confirm.
5. Step 5: Verify the Final Order. Confirm the court sent an accurate copy of the final order. Keep a copy for your file.

Phase 3: The Application

6. Step 6: Prepare the Application. Draft and notarize your application for a Certificate of Eligibility. Attach the following: (a) Your Personal Review (from Step 2); (b) The certified disposition (from Step 4); (c) Any other certified completion documents (from Step 4).
7. Step 7: Submit Based on Your Goal. Your next move depends on whether you are expunging or sealing: (Expunge) Send the notarized application and copies of all attachments to the State Attorney’s office that prosecuted the case. Include a cover letter with your contact info. Once the prosecutor signs and returns it, send the notarized and signed application and all original attachments (including your second set of fingerprints) to the FDLE. (Seal) Send the notarized application and all original attachments (including your second set of fingerprints) directly to the FDLE.

Phase 4: Final Filing

8. Step 8: Confirm Eligibility. Wait for the FDLE to send your completed Certificate of Eligibility featuring your unique case number.
9. Step 9: File Your Petition. Draft a letter to the local clerk to file your petition. It must include: (a) the petition and affidavit in support; (b) the certificate of eligibility; (c) a blank copy of a Proposed Order; (d) two full copies of the entire packages; (e) payment and a return envelope (if required).
10. Step 10: Working with the Judge. The court may have questions or require a hearing, but once the judge is satisfied, they will issue an order to either seal or expunge your record.

And if you are successful...

Phase 5: Celebrate!

Steps (Restore Rights)

These are the steps to restore your rights in Florida:

Phase 1: Background & Verification

1. Step 1: Get Fingerprinted. Visit your local police or sheriff’s station to get three copies of your fingerprints taken on the official form; two for the process and one as a backup. Required Fee: Costs vary by station; call ahead to confirm.
2. Step 2: Request a Personal Review. Draft and send a letter to the FDLE to obtain a Personal Review of your criminal history. You must include the first original copy of your fingerprints.
3. Step 3: Review Your Record. Confirm there is no disqualifying information in your history. Keep a copy of this record for your personal file.

Phase 2: Gathering Court Documents

4. Step 4: Request Certified Dispositions. Draft a letter to your local clerk to request a certified copy of every charging document and disposition involving you. If you had probation or parole, had to take any classes, or otherwise did anything outside of court, draft a letter to those groups and request certified copies of the documents that show you finished those things successfully. If you had to serve time in jail or prison, ask for a certified copy of your release from custody. Repeat this for every county, including those outside of Florida. Required Fee: Costs for certification and mailing vary; call the court and any individual offices to confirm.
5. Step 5: Verify the Documents. Confirm the courts and offices sent an accurate copy of the requested documents. Keep a copy for your file.

Phase 3: The Application

6. Step 6: Prepare the Application. Draft a letter and complete your application based on the outcome you are looking for (restore your rights with or without firearms, pardon, etc.). Attach the following: (a) Your Personal Review (from Step 2); (b) The certified dispositions (from Step 4); (c) Any other certified completion documents (from Step 4).
7. Step 7: Submit Your Application. Send everything to the Office of Executive Clemency.

Phase 4: Final Filing

8. Step 8: Confirm Eligibility. Wait for FCOR to respond with their decision as to whether they will hear your petition or if you have to try again later.
9. Step 9: Prepare for the Hearing. You will have to make your best impression so do everything you can to prepare. You should be familiar with: (a) your criminal history; (b) the reasons why you went down that path; (c) the reasons why you feel remorse and regret going down that path, all of which should involve consequences others have had to suffer to show you understand the impact; (d) the things you've done to change for the better; (e) quotes, stories, and testimonials from others that your changes are genuine and they have had a positive impact on your community; and (f) what you hope to do in the future to continue to improve your community if you are granted your petition. This is hard but you can do it!
10. Step 10: Attending the Hearing. Show up to your hearing as early as you can, dress in your best clothes, be prim and proper, and get ready for the biggest day of your life (but remember you can try again later so don't psyche yourself out!).

And if you are successful...

Phase 5: Celebrate!