Florida is one of the tougher jurisdictions when it comes to sealing or expunging your criminal record.
Aside from the numerous requirements, you cannot have a prior sealing or expungement in any jurisdiction. Specifically, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) can deny you a certificate of eligibility if, "the criminal history record reflects that you have received a prior sealing or expunction of a criminal history record..."
This prior sealing or expungement could have occurred anywhere. That means that if you expunged your record in the State of New York twenty years ago, you can never apply for a sealing or expungement in Florida. It's not fair, but it's the law.
Click here to learn more about the eligibility requirements for sealing or expunging your record in Florida.
You should speak with an attorney when deciding whether to seal or expunge your record. I handle the sealing or expungement of criminal records in all Florida counties. I can be reached at (305) 777-3855.