In 2026, you are not legally required to hire a lawyer to seal or expunge a criminal record in Florida. However, whether you should handle it yourself depends on your case, your risk tolerance, and how important speed and accuracy are to you.

The process may appear straightforward on paper. In reality, it is procedural, technical, and unforgiving of mistakes.

When You Might Not Need a Lawyer

You may consider filing on your own if:

• Your charges were clearly dismissed or dropped
• You have no prior convictions
• You have never sealed or expunged a record before
• Your criminal history is simple and limited to one case

Florida provides official instructions through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and some individuals successfully complete the process without legal assistance.

However, the risks begin where complexity starts.

Why Many People Choose Legal Help in 2026

Expungement today is not just about filing paperwork. It is about managing both the court system and your digital footprint.

An experienced expungement lawyer can:

• Confirm eligibility under Florida law
• Identify disqualifying issues before filing
• Prepare and submit correct court petitions
• Respond to objections from prosecutors
• Ensure agencies comply with the court order
• Address lingering background check listings
• Assist with removing mugshots and outdated online arrest records

Even after a judge grants expungement, private background check companies and mugshot websites may still display old information unless they are formally notified or challenged.

That is where many do-it-yourself filings fall short.

The Digital Reality of Expungement

In 2026, background checks are automated and widely distributed. Once an arrest enters private databases, it can continue appearing in employment or housing screenings unless properly corrected.

A court order removes the record from public access, but it does not always immediately remove:

• Third-party background check reports
• Commercial data broker listings
• Online mugshot websites

Addressing these issues often requires additional follow-up beyond the court filing.

The Risk of Getting It Wrong

Florida law typically allows a person to seal or expunge a record only once in a lifetime (with limited exceptions). Filing incorrectly, misjudging eligibility, or failing to meet procedural requirements can delay relief or jeopardize that opportunity.

For individuals applying for jobs, professional licenses, or housing, delays can have real consequences.

The Bottom Line

You do not legally need a lawyer for expungement in Florida in 2026.

But if your case involves complexity, prior charges, potential objections, or concerns about mugshots and background checks, legal guidance can reduce risk and help ensure the process is handled the first time correctly.

In today’s digital environment, expungement is no longer just about clearing a court record. It is about making sure your past does not continue circulating online after it has been legally erased.