Fla. Stat. 776.09
Retention of records pertaining to persons found to be acting in lawful self-defense; expunction of criminal history records

(1)

Whenever the state attorney or statewide prosecutor dismisses an information, indictment, or other charging document, or decides not to file an information, indictment, or other charging document because of a finding that the person accused acted in lawful self-defense pursuant to the provisions related to the justifiable use of force in this chapter, that finding shall be documented in writing and retained in the files of the state attorney or statewide prosecutor.

(2)

Whenever a court dismisses an information, indictment, or other charging document because of a finding that the person accused acted in lawful self-defense pursuant to the provisions related to the justifiable use of force in this chapter, that finding shall be recorded in an order or memorandum, which shall be retained in the court’s records.

(3)

Under either condition described in subsection (1) or subsection (2), the person accused may apply for a certificate of eligibility to expunge the associated criminal history record, pursuant to s. 943.0578, notwithstanding the eligibility requirements prescribed in s. 943.0585(1) or (2).

Source: Section 776.09 — Retention of records pertaining to persons found to be acting in lawful self-defense; expunction of criminal history records, https://www.­flsenate.­gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0776.­09 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

Current through Fall 2025

§ 776.09. Retention of records pertaining to persons found to be acting in lawful self-defense; expunction of criminal history records's source at flsenate​.gov