What is the difference between expungement and sealing?

If a record is expunged, the record is destroyed.

• You may be able to expunge if the final result in your case was dismissal, no prosecution (nolo prossed), letter of release, or verdict of “not guilty.”
• You cannot expunge a record if the final result was “adjudication withheld.”

If a record is sealed, the record is made confidential but is not destroyed.

• You cannot seal a record if you were convicted of a dangerous crime and received “adjudication withheld.”

For both expungement and sealing:

• Your record will not show up if most people or agencies try to view your criminal record.
• You can deny that you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, except under certain circumstances.
• You can also deny to your local Housing Authority, apartment complexes, many employers, and more.

NOTE: You cannot lawfully deny the arrest(s) to certain agencies. Talk to an attorney or read Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059 for more information.