What Is On A Florida Criminal Record?

Understanding What’s Included in Your Florida Criminal Record and How It Can Impact You

A criminal record in Florida contains detailed information about an individual's history with the legal system. Whether a person has been arrested, charged, or convicted, these records can follow them for years, affecting everything from job opportunities to housing and even professional licensing. Understanding what is included in a Florida criminal record is essential if you are concerned about how past offenses may impact your future.

What Information Is Included in a Florida Criminal Record?

A Florida criminal record contains several types of information, all of which can be accessed by law enforcement, government agencies, employers, and, in some cases, the public. The information typically includes:

• Personal Identifying Information – Full name, date of birth, and any known aliases
• Arrest Records – Dates of arrests, the law enforcement agency involved, and the charges filed
• Charges and Case Dispositions – Details about whether charges were dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a conviction
• Convictions – Any crimes a person was found guilty of, including misdemeanors and felonies
• Sentencing Information – Jail or prison time, probation, fines, and court-mandated programs
• Warrants – Information on active or past arrest warrants
• Probation and Parole Details – Supervision status and conditions
• Expungements or Sealed Records – Notations if any part of the record has been sealed or expunged under Florida Statutes § 943.0585

Types of Offenses That Appear on a Florida Criminal Record

Criminal offenses in Florida fall into different categories, and the severity of the offense determines how it appears on a criminal record.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are considered less serious offenses, but they still carry consequences. Under Florida Statutes § 775.082, misdemeanors are divided into two categories:

• First-Degree Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine

  • Examples: Petit theft (under $750), battery, possession of drug paraphernalia

• Second-Degree Misdemeanor – Punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine

  • Examples: Disorderly conduct, driving without a valid license, simple assault

Felonies

Felonies carry much harsher penalties, including long prison sentences. Under Florida Statutes § 775.083, felonies are classified as follows:

• Capital Felony – Punishable by life in prison or the death penalty

  • Example: First-degree murder

• Life Felony – Punishable by life imprisonment

  • Example: Armed kidnapping

• First-Degree Felony – Punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine

  • Example: Drug trafficking

• Second-Degree Felony – Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine

  • Example: Aggravated battery

• Third-Degree Felony – Punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine

  • Example: Grand theft (over $750 but less than $20,000)

How a Florida Criminal Record Can Affect Your Future

Having a criminal record can create significant obstacles in many areas of life. Some of the most common consequences include:

Employment Background Checks

Many employers conduct background checks before hiring. If a criminal record appears, it can lead to disqualification from certain jobs, particularly in fields that require security clearances, government contracts, or positions working with children.

Housing Applications

Landlords and property managers often review criminal histories before approving rental applications. A record with felony convictions or multiple offenses can make it harder to secure housing.

Professional Licenses

Certain professions, such as healthcare, law, and education, require state licenses. Some offenses may prevent you from obtaining or renewing a license.

Gun Ownership Rights

Under Florida Statutes § 790.23, convicted felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Even a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence can restrict gun rights under federal law.

Immigration Consequences

Non-citizens may face deportation, visa denial, or green card revocation due to certain criminal convictions. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1227, crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies can lead to removal from the United States.

How Long Do Crimes Stay on a Florida Criminal Record?

Unlike some states, Florida does not automatically remove charges or convictions from a person’s record over time. If no legal action is taken to expunge or seal a record, it remains accessible indefinitely.

Expungement and Sealing of Criminal Records in Florida

Expungement and record sealing offer ways to limit public access to criminal records, though law enforcement may still retain access.

• Expungement (Florida Statutes § 943.0585) – Removes the record entirely as if it never existed
• Sealing (Florida Statutes § 943.059) – Hides the record from most background checks, but certain agencies may still view it

Eligibility for expungement or sealing depends on several factors, including whether there was a conviction, the type of offense, and prior criminal history.

Florida Criminal Record FAQs

What information is included in a Florida criminal record?
A criminal record contains personal information, arrest history, charges, case dispositions, convictions, probation or parole details, and active warrants. It may also indicate whether any part of the record has been sealed or expunged.

Can I remove a criminal record in Florida?
It depends. Some records can be sealed or expunged under Florida Statutes § 943.0585 if you meet the eligibility requirements. However, convictions generally cannot be removed unless overturned.

How long does a criminal record stay on file in Florida?
Criminal records do not automatically disappear over time. If not expunged or sealed, they remain accessible indefinitely.

Can a dismissed case still appear on my record?
Yes. Even if charges were dropped, the arrest and case details will still show up in background checks unless the record is expunged.

Will a misdemeanor show up on a background check?
Yes. Misdemeanors appear on criminal background checks and can impact employment and housing opportunities.

Can a criminal record affect my ability to own a firearm?
Yes. Under Florida Statutes § 790.23, convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms. Misdemeanor domestic violence convictions can also lead to firearm restrictions under federal law.

Do I have to disclose a sealed or expunged record?
In most cases, you do not have to disclose sealed or expunged records. However, certain government agencies, law enforcement, and professional licensing boards may still have access.

Will an out-of-state conviction appear on my Florida criminal record?
Yes. Criminal background checks in Florida can include records from other states, especially if charges resulted in a conviction.

How does a criminal record impact immigration status?
Non-citizens may face visa denial, deportation, or green card revocation if convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies.

Can employers see my entire criminal record?
It depends on the type of background check. Some records may be hidden if sealed, but certain employers—such as those hiring for government positions—may still have full access.

Contact Musca Law 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 For Your FREE Consultation

Musca Law, P.A. has a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys dedicated to defending people charged in Florida with a criminal or traffic offense. They serve all 67 counties in Florida and are available 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 for your FREE consultation.