Record Relief Options in Florida
Many people discover that past arrests or charges continue to appear on background checks long after a case has been resolved. In Florida, certain individuals may qualify for record relief through legal processes such as record sealing or expungement.

These procedures can limit public access to criminal history records and help individuals move forward with greater privacy. Taylor Waldrop Pribisco assists clients in St. Augustine and throughout St. Johns County with evaluating eligibility and beginning the record relief process.
Record Relief Services We Provide
Florida law provides two primary methods for limiting public access to criminal records.
Record Sealing
Record sealing restricts public access to certain criminal records while still allowing access by specific government agencies.
Expungement
Expungement allows qualifying records to be removed from public access entirely, meaning the record is generally unavailable to most background searches.
Juvenile Expungement
Some individuals may qualify to remove certain juvenile records through a separate expungement process.
Understanding the FDLE Certificate of Eligibility
Before a record can be sealed or expunged, applicants typically must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This certificate confirms that the person meets the statutory requirements to pursue record relief.

The application process generally involves submitting documentation, fingerprints, and related case information. Ensuring that these materials are prepared correctly can help prevent delays in the process.
Choosing Between Sealing and Expungement
One of the most common questions people have is whether they should pursue record sealing or expungement. Each process serves a different purpose and has different eligibility rules under Florida law.

Determining the correct option usually involves reviewing the case outcome, criminal history record, and eligibility requirements before filing the appropriate petition with the court.
Why People Seek Record Relief
Record relief is often pursued by individuals who want to reduce the long-term impact of a past arrest or case outcome. When eligible records are sealed or expunged, the result may help with:
Employment background checks
Housing applications
Educational opportunities
Professional licensing reviews
Understanding eligibility early can help individuals determine whether record relief may be possible.
Record Relief Representation in St. Augustine
Taylor Waldrop Pribisco assists clients seeking record relief in St. Augustine and throughout St. Johns County. Individuals from nearby communities such as Ponte Vedra, Palatka, Flagler Beach, and Palm Coast sometimes seek guidance when beginning the process of sealing or expunging a criminal record.
Start the Record Relief Process
If you are interested in sealing or expunging a criminal record in Florida, the first step is determining eligibility and gathering the required documents. Speaking with a St. Johns County expungement lawyer can help you understand the available options and prepare the necessary filings.
