How to Seal a Juvenile Record

In order to have a juvenile record sealed, you must go through an extensive judicial process. Refer to Florida Statute 943.059 for specific information.
Please note: You may only “seal” one case in a lifetime.

In simplified, layman’s terms, the following steps are required in order to “seal” a juvenile record:

• You must file a petition with the Clerk of the Court, Juvenile Division, which requires a $25 fee be paid. A certificate of eligibility must be obtained before moving forward with the procedure.
• A separate petition must be filed with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which requires a $75 fee be paid. At this time, you must bring them a “certificate of eligibility” that is signed by the State Attorney and certified by the Clerk’s office. At this time, you will be required to submit fingerprints to FDLE
• Copies of the petition will be sent to the arresting agency, State Attorney’s office, and defense attorney (if applicable) for you.
• At this time, the State Attorney can object to the procedure.
• If the State Attorney does not object, that office will send the paperwork back to the Clerk’s Juvenile Division office.
• The petition will be sent to the Juvenile Court, where a judge may or may not approve/sign off on the request to “seal” the file/record.
• Upon receipt of information, the Clerk’s Juvenile Division, Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement, and the arresting agency will each delete the case/charge from their database. The actual record/file will not be accessible to anyone after this time.

Important Notes

• Sealing a record is a one-time process that parents should consider carefully before they use this ace card. (You never know what may happen in college).
• We know of 6 agencies that will still ask for information if a file has been sealed. (Law enforcement, Teacher Certifications, HRS/Children and Families, Department of Health, and the Florida BAR Association).
• Certain crimes such as drugs and sexual battery are not applicable under this statute.