Florida Administrative Expungements

An administrative expungement is meant to correct mistaken arrests only. An example of a mistaken arrest is when the execution of a warrant based on a name nabs the wrong person.

Administrative Expungement Only Effects Non-Judicial Records

An administrative expungement only effects non-judicial records. Specifically, it only removes the arrest data compiled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement [FDLE]. It does not:

require the destruction of records by the arresting agency,
will not seal court records,
will not allow you to lawfully deny the arrest occurred.

Administrative Expungement Applications

The administrative expungement statute was created to fix arrest data created by mistake – a mistaken arrest. As noted above, an arrest based on mistaken identity is the archetype.

If a mistaken arrest occurs and a court record is created, an additional procedure must be done to seal the court records. Neither of these procedures provides the same protections as a standard adult expungement.

Administrative Expungement Procedure

The arresting agency must apply to the FDLE to have the arrest data expunged. Despite protections within the statute, law enforcement agencies are reluctant to admit a mistaken arrest. Getting them to file the application is often difficult and requires court action.

Setting Up The Administrative Expungement

If you were arrested by mistake and your liberty was restricted for a significant amount of time, you may have the grounds to file a complaint for damages. This should be done. Along with monetary damages, the complaint should also ask for the arrest to be administratively expunged.

Legitimate Arrests Cannot Be Administratively Expunged

An arrest that was made based on a complaint against you cannot be administratively expunged. This includes false complaints.

For More Information Emailed to You

Submit your contact info below. We will email you information about our record expungement and sealing representation. You can also go to our ⚖ Florida Expungement webpage for more details.
Please include the information you are comfortable with providing us. We use the cell number to confirm email receipt.

We will not harass you with calls, emails, or texts. We will not place you on a mailing list. We will not share your information with anyone. We will add you to our contacts so we know who you are when we communicate in the future. For more information, see our privacy policy.