Florida Expungement Costs in 2026: Attorney Fees & Process Fees

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 Expungement Cost in Florida?

The government cost to expunge a record in Florida is $245. This amount consists of a $75 fee payable to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for processing the Certificate of Eligibility, a $42 court filing fee assessed by the Clerk of Court, $40 for certified court copies, $22 for official document retrieval, $30 for required notary services, and $36 for statutory mailing and service of documents to the FDLE, the Clerk of Court, and the State Attorney’s Office. These fees are mandated by the State of Florida and apply in every expungement case, regardless of whether the applicant proceeds without counsel or retains an attorney.

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.

Total Breakdown of Expungement Costs in Florida

Florida Expungement Lawyer Cost – $750

In Florida, hiring an expungement lawyer costs between $750 and $5,000. This price point typically covers the attorney’s flat fee for a relatively uncomplicated expungement case. It likely excludes additional expenses such as $75 for the FDLE application, court filing fees, notary services, and mailing costs. As prices increase toward the higher end, packages often expand to include criminal footprint removal services, such as background check database suppression and mugshot removal, even from sites that resist compliance. These comprehensive solutions ensure not only the legal clearing of your record but also the removal of online and private-sector traces that could still appear in employment or housing screenings. Always request a detailed quote to understand exactly which services are bundled at each pricing tier.

Court Fees – $42

Filing for expungement necessitates payment of court fees, which can vary based on jurisdiction and the nature of the expunged record. These fees are included as administrative costs associated with processing the expungement petition through the legal system.

Processing Fees – $40

Complementing court fees, additional processing fees may be tied to administrative tasks integral to the expungement process. These fees are part of the overall financial considerations when pursuing record expungement.

Document Retrieval Costs – $22

Retrieving necessary documents for the expungement petition may incur costs, such as obtaining copies of court records or other relevant paperwork. These document retrieval expenses are essential to factor into the total cost to expunge record.

Notary Fees – $30

Some jurisdictions may require notarized documents as part of the expungement application. Notary fees are a consideration, adding to the miscellaneous costs associated with the legal procedures.

Mailing Costs – $36

Mailing costs for expungement in Florida typically total around $36. This includes sending documents to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Clerk of Court, and sometimes the State Attorney’s office. Using Certified Mail with Return Receipt is recommended for tracking and delivery confirmation. Each mailing generally costs between $10–$12, depending on weight and location, ensuring your documents are securely delivered without delays.

FDLE Application Fee – $75

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) charges a $75 application fee for processing expungement requests. This fee covers the review of your criminal history and ensures compliance with state laws. Payment must accompany your application and can typically be made by money order, cashier’s check, or credit card, depending on FDLE’s guidelines. This is a mandatory cost for anyone seeking to seal or expunge their record in Florida.

Additional Expungement Costs

While most cases fit the flat-fee model, additional services may include:

• Background check removals: $1000 – $1,595
• Mugshot removal from third-party websites: $250 – $595
• Attorney’s legal case analysis letter in support of background check: $250

These are always quoted in advance and never required unless requested.

Factors That Affect Expungement Costs in Florida

Several variables can influence the final cost of expunging your record, even within a flat-fee model. These include:

• County of Filing: Some counties charge higher court filing fees or have more involved procedures, which may require additional work.
• Type of Offense: More serious charges or charges with unique legal considerations may involve added steps, especially if multiple charges are involved.
• Number of Jurisdictions: Cases spanning multiple counties or courts often require additional certified documents and filings.
• Document Retrieval: If records are archived, destroyed, or need to be ordered from multiple agencies, there may be extra administrative costs.
• Urgency of Filing: Expedited service, if requested, may come at an additional premium.
• Third-Party Website Removals: Removing mugshots or arrest data from private databases may add to your total costs.

We evaluate each client’s situation individually and provide a clear, upfront quote before you commit.

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, individuals benefit from legal representation and a clear understanding of the costs of expungement in Florida. 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 a free case review below.

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