In Florida, certificates of eligibility vary. Some may apply for students, then those for court-ordered sealing or expungement. This guide will focus on the application process for a certificate of eligibility. Find out the steps to petition the court for an order to seal or expunge a criminal history record in Florida now.
A certificate of eligibility in Florida is a required document should you wish to petition the court so they can release an order to seal or expunge your criminal history record. This is the first and foremost step needed to get your record sealed or expunged according to the FDLE’s conditions. Should you wish to proceed under either of these statutes, you are entitled to one court-ordered sealing or expungement in a lifetime.
Follow these simple steps to apply for an FDLE Certificate of Eligibility for expungement in Florida:
First off, acquire the application form for your Certificate of Eligibility by downloading it here. Or, you may also email the FDLE Seal and Expunge Section at SEinfo@fdle.state.fl.us, then request the application to be forwarded to you.
Now, remember, you must fill out the application page with accurate details as much as possible, including the following important information:
Should you have been given an appearance notice and not arrested physically, you must indicate the date of the Notice to Appear in place of the date of arrest.
You must also sign and date the application in the presence of a Notary Public or a court’s deputy clerk.
The next step is to complete the Written Certified Statement Page. However, this is only applicable for expunction applications, including juveniles. Then, the appropriate state attorney or statewide prosecutor is required to complete the written certified statement page.
Afterward, you must provide a certified disposition for every case or criminal charge listed on your application. You can acquire this from the county court clerk where your cases or charges originated. Should you be placed on probation, you must provide documentation showing termination of probation.
Applicants of pre-trial intervention cases and other diversion programs must provide a copy of the pre-trial completion certificate, otherwise a letter of successful completion, which may substitute for a certified disposition.
This step involves an authorized member of law enforcement or other criminal justice agency to fingerprint you. There will be a fingerprint form or card here, which includes your name, date of birth, signature, and date. It must also have the signature of the official taking the fingerprints and the ORI or stamp of the agency.
Lastly, you must accomplish a non-refundable money order, cashier’s check, or personal check amounting to $75 payable to FDLE, together with your application. They will never accept cash, gift cards, or temporary personal checks. Be sure to fill out and sign the check or money order completely.
That may be the last step, but there are pointers to remember:
Work with some of Florida’s top expungement lawyers to make sure you won’t miss any of the steps outlined above. Their services cover various aspects of the state’s expungement procedures, including background checks and mugshot removal—no matter the offenses that have been labeled against you. Erase The Case can help. Find out if you qualify today.
