{"id":800,"date":"2026-10-02T03:33:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T03:33:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/patrickwilsonlaw.com\/resources\/dui-defense-attorney\/dui-expungement-florida-record-clearing\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T14:57:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:57:36","slug":"dui-expungement-florida-record-clearing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/patrickwilsonlaw.com\/resources\/dui-defense-attorney\/dui-expungement-florida-record-clearing\/","title":{"rendered":"DUI Expungement in Florida: Clear Your Record"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/span>\"Police
\n

Criminal Record Relief<\/p>

DUI Expungement in Florida: Clear Your Record<\/h1>

A DUI dismissal opens the door to expungement. Patrick Wilson Law helps you petition immediately and move forward.<\/p>

Schedule a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Schedule a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Patrick David Wilson \u00b7 Published October 02, 2026<\/p>\n\n

\n\n

DUI Expungement in Florida: Clear Your Record After Dismissal<\/h2>\n

A dismissed or acquitted DUI arrest can be expunged in Florida, removing it entirely from public view. If you were convicted, the record may be sealed after a waiting period, restricting access but not destroying it. Eligibility and the process differ significantly depending on how your case ended.<\/p>\n\n

\n

If your DUI charge was dismissed or you were acquitted, you're likely eligible to clear that arrest from your record\u2014and many people in your situation reach out to learn how. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\"Police<\/figure>\n

Can You Get a DUI Wiped Off Your Record in Florida?<\/h2>\n

Yes, Florida law allows you to expunge or seal a DUI arrest or conviction record under specific circumstances, though the two processes are different and have different eligibility rules.<\/p>\n

Expungement<\/strong> destroys the record entirely. Once expunged, the arrest is removed from public databases, and you can legally answer “no” when asked if you were arrested for that offense. Expungement is available when a DUI charge is dismissed or you are acquitted at trial.<\/p>\n

Sealing<\/strong> restricts access but preserves the record. A sealed record does not appear on most background checks, but law enforcement, licensing boards, courts, and certain government agencies can still access it. Sealing is typically available for DUI convictions after a waiting period.<\/p>\n

Without either process, a DUI arrest or conviction remains on your public criminal record indefinitely. Employers, landlords, professional licensing boards, and the general public can access this information through background checks, affecting employment, housing, and professional opportunities.<\/p>\n

How Long Does a Florida DUI Stay on Your Record?<\/h2>\n

Without expungement or sealing, a DUI arrest or conviction stays on your public record forever.<\/p>\n

A dismissed DUI arrest can be expunged immediately after dismissal, removing it from public view right away. If you were acquitted at trial, you’re also eligible for immediate expungement.<\/p>\n

A DUI conviction cannot be expunged but may be sealed after a waiting period. For a first-offense DUI conviction, Florida Statutes \u00a7 943.0584<\/a> generally allows sealing after 10 years from the date of conviction or completion of sentence, whichever is later. For second or subsequent convictions, sealing eligibility may be limited or unavailable.<\/p>\n

During this waiting period, the conviction appears on background checks for employment, housing, professional licensing, and loans. Once sealed, it is no longer visible to most employers and landlords, though certain agencies retain access.<\/p>\n

Expungement vs. Record Sealing in Florida DUI Cases<\/h2>\n

The distinction between expungement and sealing is critical and often misunderstood.<\/p>\n

Expungement destroys the record.<\/strong> The arrest is removed from public databases maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and local law enforcement. You can legally state that you were not arrested for that offense. Expungement is available for dismissed DUI arrests and acquittals.<\/p>\n

Sealing restricts access but does not destroy the record.<\/strong> A sealed record does not appear on background checks run by employers, landlords, or the general public. However, law enforcement agencies<\/a>, courts, the state attorney’s office, and professional licensing boards can still access a sealed record. Sealing is typically available for DUI convictions after a waiting period.<\/p>\n

A dismissed DUI arrest is almost always eligible for expungement, not just sealing. A DUI conviction is generally eligible for sealing only, not expungement, under Florida law.<\/p>\n

DUI Expungement Eligibility Requirements in Florida<\/h2>\n

Your eligibility for expungement or sealing depends on the outcome of your DUI case.<\/p>\n

If your DUI was dismissed or you were acquitted:<\/strong> You are generally eligible for expungement immediately. The case must be fully resolved (not pending), and you must not have other pending criminal charges in any jurisdiction.<\/p>\n

If you were convicted of DUI:<\/strong> You are not eligible for expungement but may be eligible to seal the record after a waiting period. For a first-offense DUI conviction, the waiting period is typically 10 years from the date of conviction or completion of sentence, whichever is later. You must also demonstrate that sealing is in the interests of justice.<\/p>\n

Disqualifying factors include:<\/strong><\/p>\n