FL H0553

Amends section 943.0585, Florida Statutes, to specify when persons with expunged misdemeanor arrests may lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge those arrests.

Permits expunged misdemeanor arrests to be denied or unacknowledged except when applying for positions with criminal justice agencies, during criminal prosecutions, or when petitioning for relief under expunction statutes.

Requires disclosure of expunged misdemeanor arrests when seeking admission to The Florida Bar or employment/licensing with state agencies serving children, disabled, or elderly populations (DCF, AHCA, Department of Health, Department of Elderly Affairs, Department of Juvenile Justice, and their contractors).

Requires disclosure of expunged misdemeanor arrests when seeking employment or licensing with the Department of Education, school boards, charter schools, private schools, or entities that license child care facilities, except expunged theft offenses (chapter 812 violations) may be denied.

Requires disclosure of expunged arrests when seeking insurance agent/agency licensing or appointment as a guardian; effective July 1, 2022.