Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility for Court-Ordered Sealing or Expungement

The following requirements must be provided in order to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility to petition the court for an order to seal or expunge a criminal history record, which is the first step required toward getting a record sealed or expunged under Section 943.0585 or Section 943.059, Florida Statutes (F.S.) If proceeding under either of these statutes, you are entitled to one court-ordered sealing or expungement in a lifetime.
 
Application
  • You may obtain an application for a Certificate of Eligibility by downloading the application, or by emailing the FDLE Seal and Expunge Section at SEinfo@fdle.state.fl.us, and requesting an application be sent to you.
  • The application page must be filled out in full including; last name, first name, date of birth, race, sex, mailing address, permanent address, arresting agency,  date of arrest, and charge(s).
  • If you were given a Notice to Appear and not physically arrested, indicate the date of the Notice to Appear in place of the date of arrest.
  • Applicant must sign and date the application in the presence of a notary public or a deputy clerk of the court.
 
Completed Written Certified Statement Page (Expunction Applications Only)
  • For all expunction applications (including juveniles), the written certified statement page completed by the appropriate state attorney or statewide prosecutor is required.

Certified Disposition
  • The applicant must provide a certified disposition for each case/criminal charge(s) listed on the application. This may be obtained from the clerk of court in the county where the case/charge(s) originated.
  • If placed on probation, provide documentation showing termination of probation.
  • For pre-trial intervention cases and other diversion programs, the applicant must provide a copy of the pretrial completion certificate or a letter of successful completion, which may substitute for a certified disposition.
 
Completed Fingerprint Form/Card
  • The applicant must be fingerprinted by an authorized member of law enforcement or other criminal justice agency.
  • The fingerprint form/card must include the applicant’s name, date of birth, signature, and date.
  • The fingerprint form/card must include the signature of the official taking the fingerprints and the agency’s ORI/stamp.
 
Processing Fee
  • A NONREFUNDABLE money order, cashier’s check, or personal check in the amount of $75.00 made payable to FDLE must accompany the application. FDLE does not accept cash, gift cards, or temporary personal checks.
  • Make sure to completely fill out and sign the check/money order.
 
Attorney Letterhead (if applicable)
  • If you are represented by an attorney, a letter of representation from the attorney on letterhead must be submitted with the application. If an attorney letter is not received, FDLE will only correspond with the applicant.
  • Make sure the appropriate mailing address is clearly indicated on this letter.

SPECIAL NOTE: It is highly recommended that you obtain and keep a copy of all pertinent documents (arrest report, certified disposition, order to seal/expunge, etc.) for your records before you secure the sealing or expunction of your criminal history record(s)


Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.