SB 118 Summary
Signed into law by Governor Rick Scott on June 16, 2017, Florida SB 118 will allow for increased record sealing and expungement opportunities for individuals charged, but not convicted, of one or more crimes. The bill passed unanimously through both the House and the Senate before reaching the desk of the Governor. It allows for automatic record sealing for individuals who have had charges filed against them but the charges were dropped. This can happen through a dismissal, or by acquittal, etc.
Legislators such as Rep. Scott Plakon, a sponsor for the House version of the bill, argue that the bill is intended to increase the ease with which individuals who have been arrested, but not convicted, can rent an apartment or get hired for a job. “Especially if someone is innocent, how tragic would it be if this affected their future?” Plakon said.
Additionally, SB 118 would require that any websites and news sources that post mug shots of individuals whose charges did not result in a conviction to remove them. Or, they will face fines up to $1,000 a day and further penalties under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. To have your mug shot removed, you or your legal representative must submit a written request of removal to the organization. You must also include “sufficient proof of identification” that you are the person or the representative of the person whose photograph will be removed. These organizations are prohibited from requesting any fee for the service of taking down the mug shot. They will have a period of ten days to remove the photograph, starting with the day they were notified, before they begin facing fines.
The Effect of SB 118
The new law doesn’t put a cap on the number of charges that can be sealed, and all charges will be automatically sealed once the period for appeals has expired. The law will require automatic record sealing in situations where an individual faced an “incident of alleged criminal activity” but was:
- determined not guilty,
- the charges were dismissed before a trial, or
- the prosecutor declined to file charges.
This could mean that almost 3 million criminal records in Florida could be sealed automatically. Once sealed, individuals would no longer have to worry about criminal charges showing up on background checks. While only the process to seal records would be automatic, SB 118 opens the door for criminal record expungement, which would allow a permanent erasure of criminal arrests. This is an option that was previously not allowed for individuals charged with crimes in Florida.
If you think you may be eligible for a Florida record seal or expungement, take our free, newly updated eligibility test to see if our firm can help. Our new e-commerce option adds a feature which allows you to purchase your legal service right from our website. Check out our site for more information on Florida record removal, and a list of offenses not eligible for sealing or expungement.
How ca I seal a record of 19
How ca I seal a record of 1995
Does this mean websites have to remove your mugshot even if the case is still pending because they’ve been contacted and there is no conviction? Or do you have to wait until the case is dismissed or such?
It isn’t fair. I was convicted of a felony marijuana charge in 2010. I was about 20-21 years old. I served my debt to society with a sentence of 11 months and 30 days. But because I was found guilty I don’t have a right to a second chance. It’s not fair
They need make it where person with small conviction like petite theft can get it removed sealed expunged first time affenders I can’t even get a dam job or have it expunged because it’s a conviction and my first one
How about they change it where you can get your record expunged if it’s your first conviction (mis) I could understand serious charges and multiple but some people want change there lives and Florida making it real difficult
I agree with you a 100% deon back in 1998 I was convicted of selling marijuana,in Florida and because of their stupid rules I cant have it sealed.In other states a background check wont show charges past 10 years but Florida shows it forever,its not right.I am one of the ones that changed my life completely once I got out of prison and because of Florida’s rule everyone can see my past and still holds it against me.There should be a second chance rule for people that actually did change their lifes around.