Will Florida Juvenile Criminal Records Be Expunged?

 Posted on September 29, 2026 in Expungement

Florida law allows many juvenile criminal records to be expunged. However, the rules are not the same for every record. If you have a juvenile record you want to get expunged in 2026, a Miami, FL juvenile crimes defense attorney can review your record and explain your options.

When Are Juvenile Criminal Records Automatically Expunged in Florida?

Florida automatically expunges many juvenile criminal history records kept by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The person's age and juvenile history help determine when this happens.

Under Florida Statute § 943.0515, FDLE generally keeps a juvenile record for two years after the person turns 19. In many cases, this means the record is expunged at age 21.

Some records are kept longer. For example, FDLE will usually keep the record until age 26 if the person was classified as a serious or habitual juvenile offender or was committed to a maximum-risk residential facility.

These timelines do not apply to every case. Certain later offenses can cause a juvenile record to be kept longer.

Can You Get a Florida Juvenile Record Expunged Before Age 21?

Some people can apply to have their juvenile record expunged before age 21. This is known as early juvenile expunction.

A person must be at least 18 but younger than 21 to use this process. The offenses on the record must have happened before age 18. The person also cannot have been charged with or found to have committed a criminal offense during the five years before applying.

An application for early expunction includes:

• Approval from the state attorney in each circuit where an offense occurred
• A full set of fingerprints
• A sworn statement showing that the applicant meets the legal requirements
• A $75 processing fee, unless FDLE waives it

FDLE then reviews the completed application and determines whether the record qualifies for expungement.

Can Completing a Florida Juvenile Diversion Program Lead to Expungement?

Completing a juvenile diversion program can provide another path to expungement. Diversion allows some young people to resolve a case by completing set requirements instead of going through the usual court process.

Florida Statute § 943.0582 allows juvenile diversion for eligible misdemeanor and felony offenses. However, some offenses do not qualify. These include forcible felonies and certain felonies involving firearms or weapons.

The juvenile must successfully complete an approved diversion program and then apply for expunction. They have to provide FDLE with proof that the program was completed.

Can a Juvenile Record in Florida Remain Past the Normal Expungement Date?

A juvenile record can remain past the usual expungement date in some situations. One important exception involves criminal charges after age 18.

If a person is charged with or convicted of a forcible felony after turning 18, the juvenile record can be merged with the person's adult criminal history. This must happen before the juvenile record would otherwise be destroyed.

Special rules also apply to some offenses that require registration. These records can be kept and merged with the person's adult criminal history. Because of these exceptions, reaching age 21 or 26 does not always mean a juvenile record has been cleared.

Are Juvenile Court Records the Same as FDLE Criminal History Records?

Juvenile court records and FDLE criminal history records are not the same. They are kept by different agencies and contain different information about a juvenile case.

A juvenile court record is kept by the clerk of court. It can include documents filed in the case, such as petitions and court orders. Under Florida Statute § 985.045, these records may be destroyed when the child reaches age 24, or age 26 for a serious or habitual juvenile offender, five years after the last entry in the case, or three years after the child’s death, whichever happens first. Other retention periods can apply.

An FDLE criminal history record is the criminal history information kept by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This can include information sent to FDLE by law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies. Florida's automatic juvenile expunction law applies to these FDLE records.

How Can You Find Out if Your Juvenile Record in Florida Was Expunged?

Do not assume that your juvenile record disappeared when you turned 18. If you are unsure whether a record still exists, you can take steps to check. FDLE allows people to review their Florida criminal history records. This can help show what information the agency still has on file.

You can also gather paperwork from the juvenile case, including records showing how the case ended. An attorney can review those documents and determine whether the record should have been automatically expunged or whether another type of expunction is available.

Speak With a Miami, FL Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyer

Florida provides several ways for eligible juvenile records to be expunged. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and understand your rights. Attorney Julian Stroleny grew up in Coconut Grove and has deep ties to the community.

To find out what we can do about your juvenile record, contact the Miami, FL juvenile crimes defense attorney at Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney for a free consultation, or call 305-615-1285 today. We’re available 24/7 and have nearly 400 five-star reviews to prove that we’re committed to our clients.