In pursuing a clean legal slate in Florida, the first step is understanding the cost of expungement and sealing. In Florida, you can apply for expungement on your own, or you can hire an experienced expungement lawyer who will handle the entire process for you with ease. Depending on which option you choose, the total cost of expungement will vary. In this article, we break down how much it costs to get a record expunged in Florida, whether you handle it yourself or work with a lawyer.
With this information, you’ll be better prepared financially and can streamline your expungement process.
How Much Does an Expungement Lawyer Cost in Florida?
The cost of hiring a Florida expungement lawyer typically ranges from $750 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the services included.
A basic expungement or sealing petition usually starts around $750 to $995, which covers attorney preparation and filing in addition to the state’s required fees. More comprehensive packages, priced between $2,000 and $5,000, often include not only court representation but also background check removal from private databases and mugshot removal from websites, ensuring the record is cleared from both public and online sources.
These prices are generally flat fees that not only include all government costs, such as court filing fees and the FDLE application fee, but also cover unexpected expenses that often arise during the application and follow-up process, which can be overwhelming to handle alone.
What Is Included in a Florida Expungement Lawyer Fee?
Eligibility Review
An attorney reviews the arrest history, charges, dispositions, and prior record history to determine whether the case may qualify under Florida law.
FDLE Certificate of Eligibility Assistance
Florida requires eligible applicants to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before filing an expungement petition. An attorney can help prepare the required information and avoid unnecessary delays.
Petition Preparation and Court Filing
A Florida expungement lawyer prepares the legal documents, verifies filing requirements, and helps move the petition through the court process.
Public Entity Coordination
A Florida expungement involves multiple public entities, including the Clerk of Court, State Attorney’s Office, arresting agency, and FDLE. Proper coordination helps ensure the court order reaches the required agencies.
Private Entity Cleanup
An expungement order does not automatically remove every copy of a record held by private entities.
Background-check companies, people-search websites, and mugshot websites may require separate removal requests, opt-out processes, or disputes when applicable.
Why It’s Worth Hiring a Florida Expungement Lawyer
Although it’s legally permissible to file an expungement or sealing petition on your own, hiring a lawyer provides significant advantages:
- Avoid Rejections Due to Technical Errors: Many self-filed applications are rejected because of incomplete forms, incorrect documentation, or procedural missteps. An experienced attorney ensures accuracy from day one.
- Quicker Processing: Lawyers know how to efficiently navigate each step, from securing certified documents to ensuring timely filing, minimizing delays.
- Customized Legal Strategy: Some cases involve nuances that require specific handling (e.g., multiple charges, arrests in different counties, or outdated records). A lawyer tailors the legal strategy to the specifics of your case.
- Court Representation: If a hearing is required or if a judge requests additional documentation, your attorney will represent you and handle all advocacy.
- Peace of Mind: With legal counsel managing the process, you don’t have to worry about missed deadlines, technical hurdles, or tracking down documents from government agencies.
- Removal Beyond the Court Order: Even after a record is expunged, private background check companies and mugshot sites may still display your arrest. An expungement lawyer can pursue removal from these sources, and if they don’t comply, an expert can use advanced strategies such as DMCA takedown reports or search engine deindexing to eliminate them from public view.
In short, hiring an expungement lawyer is not legally required, but it is a smart investment to ensure your record is cleared accurately, handled efficiently, and resolved with the least amount of stress.
Expunge Your Record with Comprehensive & Flexible Pricing
Erase The Case is a reputable firm specializing in Florida record expungements. With a transparent pricing structure starting at $1995, individuals benefit from legal representation and a clear understanding of Florida expungement costs. This inclusive fee covers:
- FDLE Certificate of Eligibility application
- Drafting and filing all court paperwork
- Obtaining certified case documents
- Mailing, notarization, and administrative support
- Court representation (where required)
- Guidance on removal from private background check websites (if applicable)
There are no hidden fees. We pride ourselves on full transparency.
Payment Plan Options Available
We now offer our “Expunge Now, Pay Later” plan to make expungement affordable from day one.
Start your case immediately with $0 down, and pay the total fee in low monthly installments—no interest, no hidden charges. It’s fast, secure, and handled entirely through our client portal.
Visit our pricing page for more details or apply for free case review below.
Expunge Your Record Now.
We provide a premium expungement service at an affordable price.
Expunge Your Record Today
Find out if you qualify for Florida expungement and take the next step toward a clean record.
FAQs
Is the $75 FDLE fee included in your price?
Yes, we cover that as part of our $995 flat fee.
Can I request a refund if I’m found ineligible?
If we determine you’re not eligible at the start, you pay nothing. We conduct a free eligibility review.
What is the total cost to get a record expunged in Florida?
The total cost of expungement in Florida generally ranges from $750 to $1,500+, depending on several factors. This includes the $75 fee to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), application and processing fees, and attorney’s fees, which can vary based on the complexity of the case.
Are attorney fees for expungement fixed or hourly?
Most expungement attorneys in Florida charge a flat fee, not hourly, to ensure cost predictability. This fee often covers the entire process, including filing, correspondence, and court appearances (if required).
Is it cheaper to file for expungement without an attorney?
It is possible to file pro se (on your own), but the process is legally technical and can be time-consuming. Mistakes can lead to delays or denials. Hiring an attorney often increases success rates and reduces long-term frustration.
Is expungement a one-time fee, or are there ongoing costs?
Expungement is a one-time legal process, so there are no recurring costs unless the initial petition is denied and must be refiled. Future legal services (e.g., mugshot removal or background check disputes) may incur additional charges.
