File and Vault

Florida law allows for some individuals to seal and/or expunge their criminal records. In both instances, these records are no longer available to the public.

  • Sealed records can only be accessed by authorized parties or with a court order.
  • Expunged records permits the removal and physical destruction of the criminal arrest record

How to Seal and Expunge a Criminal Record

Step 1

Visit the (FDLE) website and download the application .

Step 2

Once you receive approval from FDLE, you will need to petition the court to seal/expunge the record and pay the filing fee. In addition to the Certificate of Eligibility issued to you by FDLE, you will need to file the following forms:

  1. Seal or Expunge Petition
  2. Seal or Expunge Affidavit

Documents can be filed in person or by using the E-Filing Portal

Step 3

After you have filed the initial documents with the Clerk, you are required to schedule a hearing to finalize the seal/expungement. Allow 24-48 hours for the processing of the petition before scheduling your hearing.

  1. Contact the Judicial Assistant of the judge assigned to the case. Contact information is available by visiting the 20th Judicial Circuit website.
  2. The judicial assistant will provide you with the date, time and courtroom number. You will need to include this information on the Notice of Hearing form which you will need to file with the Clerk of Court.
What happens after the hearing?

Once the Court Order has been processed, all parties will receive an electronically certified copy of both the Order & Certificate of Eligibility.

Various parties will be serviced for case removal:

  • Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
  • Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO)
  • Arresting Agency (if other than LCSO)
  • Attorney or Record or Petitioner
  • All other case related parties

Automatic Sealing

Governed by Florida Statute 943.0595 (3), automatic sealing allows for the sealing of a criminal case resulting in an eligible disposition.

  • Examples include cases where no indictment has been filed and/or charges have been dismissed
  • FDLE reviews all cases and provides official notice to the Clerk to seal the case(s) that qualify under Florida Statute 943.0595 (3)
  • Clerk of the Court will secure the case within our case management system 

Note:  Eligible cases may still appear in a criminal background check. These individuals may still need to follow the formal seal/expungement process.