Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Florida
How juvenile records are sealed or expunged in Florida, and whether it happens automatically.
Short answer: FDLE keeps a minor's criminal history record until age 21 and then expunges it, or until age 26 for serious or habitual juvenile offenders or those committed to maximum-risk facilities, unless the person is later charged with or convicted of a forcible felony as an adult (in which case… Fla. Stat. § 943.0515
| Juvenile records | FDLE keeps a minor's criminal history record until age 21 and then expunges it, or until age 26 for serious or habitual juvenile offenders or those committed to maximum-risk facilities, unless the person is later charged with or convicted of a forcible felony as an adult (in which case the juvenile record merges into the adult record). A person aged 18 to 20 may apply to FDLE for early expunction of offenses committed before 18 if not charged with or found to have committed any offense in the past five years, with state attorney approval, fingerprints, a sworn statement and a $75 fee (which may be waived). Records of juveniles adjudicated for certain sex offenses are kept permanently. Source: Fla. Stat. § 943.0515 |
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Where to get help in Florida
More Florida expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your Florida Criminal Record
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Florida
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Florida
- How to File for Expungement in Florida
- All Florida expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do you seal a juvenile record in Florida?
FDLE keeps a minor's criminal history record until age 21 and then expunges it, or until age 26 for serious or habitual juvenile offenders or those committed to maximum-risk facilities, unless the person is later charged with or convicted of a forcible felony as an adult (in which case the juvenile record merges into the adult record). A person aged 18 to 20 may apply to FDLE for early expunction of offenses committed before 18 if not charged with or found to have committed any offense in the past five years, with state attorney approval, fingerprints, a sworn statement and a $75 fee (which may be waived). Records of juveniles adjudicated for certain sex offenses are kept permanently.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.