Bill > S1000

This bill modifies Florida's law on court-ordered sealing of criminal history records by expanding the eligibility requirements for record sealing. The bill allows individuals to petition for sealing records related to misdemeanor offenses that are not violent, domestic violence-related, or specific traffic or harassment-related crimes. It also modifies the restrictions on prior adjudications, now permitting individuals to seek record sealing if they have not been adjudicated guilty of offenses outside those specifically eligible for sealing. The bill allows courts to seal multiple criminal history records if they are directly related to an original arrest or adjudication of guilt, and clarifies that individuals with sealed records can generally deny or fail to acknowledge the covered arrests or adjudications, with specific exceptions for certain employment, licensing, and professional contexts such as working with children, applying to the Florida Bar, purchasing firearms, or seeking guardianship. The changes provide more flexibility for individuals seeking to seal criminal records while maintaining important safeguards for sensitive positions and public safety. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving time for legal systems and agencies to prepare for the implementation of these new provisions.

Budget and Finance

Criminal Justice (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1000