Bill > S1026

This bill creates a new process for expunging certain marijuana-related offenses in Florida, specifically for individuals who committed offenses involving possession of 2 ounces or less of cannabis or marijuana-related drug paraphernalia before July 1, 2025. The Department of Law Enforcement will be required to issue certificates of eligibility for expunction without charging a fee, establishing an electronic system for petitioners to submit their requests. Petitioners must submit a sworn statement attesting to their eligibility, with false statements constituting a third-degree felony. The bill outlines a detailed process for submitting and processing expunction petitions, including serving copies to state attorneys and arresting agencies, and provides that courts have discretion in granting expunction requests. The legislation mandates that if an expunction order is granted, the clerk of the court must certify copies to relevant agencies, including forwarding the order to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Importantly, the bill includes provisions ensuring that criminal justice agencies are not penalized for failing to comply with orders that do not meet the specified requirements. The new law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving agencies time to prepare for implementation.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1026