Sealing Juvenile Records in Florida: A Parent’s Guide

If you are a parent in Florida, one of the last things you want is for a mistake your child made as a teenager to follow them into adulthood. Maybe they got into trouble at school, were caught shoplifting, or had another brush with the law. While juvenile cases are often treated less harshly than adult crimes, the records do not just disappear on their own. In fact, unless certain steps are taken, those records can show up later when your child applies for a job, college, housing, or even the military.

Before diving into the specific steps, it’s essential to understand the available options. Florida law provides several ways to protect your child’s future by sealing or expunging juvenile records. Knowing how this process works—and when it occurs automatically versus when you need to intervene can make all the difference in giving your child a truly fresh start.

Juvenile Records Are Confidential, but Not Always Hidden

Juvenile records typically begin as confidential, but they are not always automatically kept private from the public. Unlike what some people expect, having a juvenile court record does not mean it disappears or remains hidden forever. Florida laws allow many records to be accessible unless you take action to seal or expunge them. That is why parents should actively consider these steps, especially before records surface in background checks. 

Juvenile Records and Automatic Expungement

Under Florida Statute § 943.0515, a juvenile criminal history record will be automatically expunged when the individual turns age 21 or age 26, if they were committed to a juvenile correctional facility. This only applies if the youth was not later charged as an adult with a forcible felony or treated as an adult for such an offense.

If your child’s juvenile record does not include serious offenses, no additional steps may be necessary. The record could be automatically removed once they reach the appropriate age, if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Can I Make It Happen Sooner? Early Expungement for Diversion Programs

If your child completes a pre-arrest or post-arrest diversion program, you may expedite the process. This is the juvenile diversion expungement process, as provided under Florida Statutes § 943.0582.

To qualify, your child must have:

• Successfully completed an authorized diversion program for a nonviolent misdemeanor (not involving firearms or forcible felonies).
• Filed an application (signed by a parent or the youth if they’re 18+) within six months of completing the program.
• Included a certificate from the State Attorney stating they completed the program and are eligible.
• No other criminal adjudications before the application. 

There is a $75 processing fee, unless it is waived. If approved, you will proceed with filing the court petition to expunge the record more quickly. 

The Process: Parent Checklist for Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records

If you want to seal or expunge your child’s juvenile record in Florida, here is a simple checklist you can follow:

Download the Application

• Get the Application for Certification of Eligibility from the FDLE website.

Fill Out Your Section

• Complete Section A.
• Sign it in front of a notary (many state attorney’s offices notarize for free). 

Send to the State Attorney

• Mail or deliver the application to the State Attorney’s Office in the county where the case happened.
• No electronic submissions allowed.

Wait for Review

• The State Attorney will fill out Section B and mail it back to you (this may take a few weeks).

Mail the Packet to FDLE

Include the following:

• Completed application
• Certified copy of case disposition (from the Clerk of Court)
• Fingerprints (done at FDLE or your local Sheriff’s Office)
• $75 money order or cashier’s check payable to FDLE

Receive Certificate of Eligibility

• FDLE sends you this once everything is approved.

File a Petition with the Court

• File the Petition and Affidavit to Expunge or Seal and the certificate with the Clerk of Court in the county where the case occurred.
• Send copies to the State Attorney’s Office.

Court Review

• The State Attorney may agree or object.
• If they object, the judge may schedule a hearing.
• If they agree, the judge typically issues an order sealing or expunging the record within a few weeks.

Final Step:

• You will receive a signed court order confirming the record has been sealed or expunged.

Once Sealed or Expunged, What Does That Mean?

Under Florida Statutes 943.0515, after sealing or expungement, your child’s record becomes largely invisible. For most purposes, such as job or college applications, they can legally state that the record does not exist. That includes denying arrests or charges.

However, be aware that there are exceptions, such as when certain government agencies or licensing boards can still access or require disclosure, for instance, for teaching credentials or working with vulnerable populations. 

Why This Matters for Parents

• High school, college, or job applications? Without sealing or expunging, old juvenile records could still appear in FDLE checks and potentially limit opportunities for your child.
• Better chances at a clean start. When your child turns 21 or sooner, if eligible via diversion, you can wipe the slate clean.
• Financial considerations. Yes, there are fees ($75 to FDLE, plus court fees), but it is often worth it for peace of mind and a clear future.

Quick Simple Guide for Common Situations

Has Your Child Gotten into Trouble? Attorney Alison M. Lopes is Your Path Forward

Many children make mistakes during their youth. Sometimes they fall in with the wrong crowd or are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. No child should face lifelong consequences for events that occurred as a minor. Attorney Alison M. Lopes has the criminal defense experience to help you protect your child’s future. Contact our Orlando, Florida office at 407-442-2724 to schedule a one-hour consultation and receive the legal guidance you deserve.