Florida DUI Expungement Attorneys
Last updated: May 2026
Florida treats DUI differently from most charges. A DUI conviction in Florida cannot be sealed or expunged — by statute. But not every DUI arrest ends in a conviction, and the cases that ended without one may still qualify.
Who qualifies for DUI expungement in Florida?
A Florida DUI can be expunged or sealed only if the case did not end in a conviction. That usually means the charge was reduced to a lesser offense (such as reckless driving with no DUI plea), dismissed outright, or resulted in a not-guilty verdict. A withhold of adjudication is not available for DUI in Florida, which makes this analysis stricter than for other charges.
A lawyer will pull the court docket and confirm exactly how the case ended. The label on a background check does not always reflect the legal outcome.
How does the process work?
The process is the same as any Florida expungement: apply to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility, then file a Petition to Expunge or Seal in the court that handled the case. The State Attorney has the right to object — DUI cases draw more scrutiny than ordinary misdemeanors, so a written legal argument explaining why the case qualifies is often part of the petition.
How long does it take?
Plan for 9 to 14 months. DUI petitions are more often reviewed in a hearing, which can add time depending on the court calendar.
How much does it cost?
FDLE fee is $75. Court fees run $42 to $75. Attorney fees depend on the attorney, the complexity of your case, and any related charges — ask any lawyer you contact for a written quote before you hire them. Always confirm the fee in writing.
Frequently asked questions
I was convicted of DUI. Can it ever be expunged in Florida?
No. Florida law specifically prohibits expungement or sealing of any DUI conviction, including a plea to DUI. A lawyer cannot work around that statute.
The DUI was reduced to reckless driving. Can the reckless driving be expunged?
Often yes — if the case was reduced without an adjudication of guilt, you may qualify. The lawyer will check whether the court entered a conviction on the reduced charge.
Will the DMV record clear too?
No. The Florida DMV driving record is separate. An expungement clears the criminal court record. The Florida driving record keeps DUI history far longer.
Will a future employer see this?
After expungement, most private background checks do not show the case. Government licensing, law enforcement, and some federal employers can still see it.
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