✓ Florida · DeSoto County change county

Clearing a record in DeSoto County

Where each step happens, what it costs, and who can help.

Your steps

Six steps, from prints to the judge's order.

  1. Optional: see your own record firstFDLE personal review — FDLE says up to 30 working days
  2. Get your fingerprint cardDeSoto County Sheriff's Office — or any law enforcement or criminal justice agency that takes printsOne place in DeSoto County — where to get fingerprinted ↓
  3. Get a certified disposition of your caseDeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court115 E Oak St, Room 101, Arcadia, FL 34266 (map, opens in a new tab) · Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern time (closed noon–1 p.m.)
  4. Apply to FDLE for your certificate of eligibilityThe Florida Department of Law EnforcementYour application, signed before a notary or a deputy clerk, with your fingerprint card, the certified disposition and the fee · FDLE says about 12 weeksExpunging? The State Attorney's office for the 12th Judicial Circuit completes page 2 of the application, the written certified statement.The law, in plain language: § 943.0585 (expunging) · § 943.059 (sealing)
  5. We prepare your petition documents Expeal We create the documents for you to file
  6. File your petitionDeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court115 E Oak St, Room 101, Arcadia, FL 34266 (map, opens in a new tab) · Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern time (closed noon–1 p.m.)
  7. The judge rulesDeSoto County, 12th Judicial CircuitIf the petition is granted, the certified order goes to FDLE

What it costs

Every figure, with its source and the date we checked it.

Your costs in DeSoto County

About $334 + copies

Expeal prepares your documents

Who prepares your documents

The attorney price is one Florida firm's published entry price.

What everyone pays

Florida's and DeSoto County's fees, and mailing — the same whoever prepares your documents

$134.90 + copies, from $75 FDLE · $42 filing · $12.90 mailing · $5 fingerprints · $2 + $1/page copies

Every figure and its source (8)

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Where to get fingerprinted

One place in DeSoto County takes prints on FDLE's card — or use any law enforcement or criminal justice agency that does. Each sets its own price.

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

$5

Records Division208 E Cypress St, Arcadia, FL 34266 (map, opens in a new tab)Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8–11 a.m. Eastern time (by appointment)(863) 993-4700 x.2236 or x.2237

The clerk's offices

DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court · desotoclerk.com · (863) 993-4876

The main office

115 E Oak St, Room 101, Arcadia, FL 34266 (map, opens in a new tab)Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern time (closed noon–1 p.m.)

In their words

  • I was terrified of getting mixed up with the legal system again, but I knew I had to clear my record to get a promotion at work. Thanks to Expeal for making it so easy and anonymous because I was able to take my time and gain the confidence I needed to face the court one last time.

    Verified user — Florida · used the free guide

Help near you

Lawyer referral, and free or low-cost legal help, for DeSoto County.

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Reviewed by Expeal