How it works in Florida
Clearing a Florida record takes three parts: FDLE certifies that you are eligible, you petition the court, and a judge rules. Here is the whole path — what Expeal does, and what you do.
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The steps
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Apply to FDLE for a certificate of eligibility
You send FDLE an application with a fingerprint card, a certified disposition of your case, and the processing fee. FDLE says processing typically takes 12 weeks from the date a completed packet arrives, in the order received.
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We prepare your petition documents
With the DIY+ package, we create all the necessary documents and send them to you — you handle the filing yourself. That is the whole arrangement: your case stays yours, and Expeal is not your attorney.
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File with your county clerk of court
You file the petition with the clerk of court in the county where the case was handled. You pay the clerk's statutory service charge under Fla. Stat. § 28.24(26) when you file. Every county's clerk — address, phone, and fee — is on our county list.
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The judge rules
The court may grant or deny the petition. If it grants, the certified order goes to FDLE, and the agencies act on it — destruction for an expunged record, confidentiality for a sealed one.
Ready to see whether this path fits your record? The eligibility check asks the same questions the application does.
Help in Florida
- For Florida — Lawyer referral service: The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
(800) 342-8011 Call from any phone - For Florida: Florida's legal aid directory →
In their words
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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