What Crimes Cannot Be Sealed in Florida?

Criminal record sealing in Florida allows individuals to restrict public access to their criminal history. When a record is sealed, it is not visible in most background checks, meaning that potential employers, landlords, and the general public cannot access it. However, certain government agencies and law enforcement bodies can still view sealed records. This process differs from expungement, where records are physically destroyed and removed from government databases.

If you believe that your record may be eligible for sealing, consult with a leading Florida expungement attorney with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan.

Crimes Ineligible for Sealing

While Florida law allows for some criminal records to be sealed, many serious offenses are explicitly ineligible. Some crimes that cannot be sealed include:

• Sex offenses, including sexual battery, child pornography, lewd or lascivious acts, and offenses requiring sex offender registration.
• Abuse-related offenses, including child abuse, aggravated child abuse, and elder abuse.
• Human trafficking offenses
• Robbery and home invasion, violent crimes, including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery.
• Drug trafficking, including trafficking and manufacturing.
• Homicide-related offenses, including attempted murder and vehicular homicide.
• Arson
• Domestic Battery

Exceptions to the Rule

In limited circumstances, individuals may still seek sealing if they were never convicted. If charges were dropped, dismissed, or resulted in an acquittal, an individual may be considered eligible for record sealing or expungement, even if the offense itself is listed as ineligible when a conviction occurs. In situations like this, you can set yourself up for potential success by consulting with a Florida expungement lawyer with The Law Office of Timothy Sullivan who has a successful track record in sealing and expunging records.

Florida law additionally only allows for the sealing or expungement of one record per lifetime, with very few exceptions. This means that multiple convictions or prior sealing/expungement applications can potentially also render someone ineligible.

Why Some Crimes Cannot Be Sealed

The primary reason for restricting certain offenses from being sealed is public safety. In Florida courts, crimes involving violence, sexual misconduct, and significant harm to others should remain accessible to protect communities and allow transparency in legal history. In some situations, certain consequences, such as mandated sex offender registration, can also prevent the possibility of getting a record sealed. 

Contact Attorney Tim Sullivan for More Details

If you are unsure whether your record qualifies for sealing or expungement, Attorney Timothy F. Sullivan, the best expungement attorney in Florida, can provide you the expert legal guidance you need. 

An experienced Florida expungement lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and assist you through the sealing or expungement process. For a complimentary case consultation, call our office at (727) 291-9717 today.