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Florida Pardon & Clemency — How to Apply

Florida has one of the most restrictive clemency processes in the country. The Board of Executive Clemency, led by the Governor, must grant clemency.

Last updated: 2026-03-28. This is informational only, not legal advice.

Who Grants Pardons

Authority: Board of Executive Clemency

The Florida Board of Executive Clemency, consisting of the Governor and three Cabinet members (Attorney General, CFO, and Agriculture Commissioner), grants clemency. The Governor chairs the Board. The Florida Commission on Offender Review investigates applications and makes recommendations.

Types of Clemency Available

Full Pardon

Unconditional forgiveness of the conviction. Restores all civil rights.

Conditional Pardon

Pardon with conditions. May be revoked if conditions are violated.

Commutation

Reduction of sentence.

Eligibility Requirements

Waiting period: 5 years after completion of sentence for non-violent offenses; 7 years for violent offenses; 10 years for certain serious offenses. Some offenses require a hearing regardless of waiting period.

Clean record required: Yes — Must have a clean record during the entire waiting period. Any new arrest or charge restarts the waiting period.

Other requirements:
  • Must have completed all terms of the sentence including restitution, fines, and court costs
  • Victim notification and opportunity to be heard is required
  • Must not have any pending criminal charges

How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. Apply to the Florida Commission on Offender Review (FCOR) for clemency.
  2. Complete the application with conviction details, sentence completion, and rehabilitation evidence.
  3. FCOR conducts a thorough investigation including background check, victim notification, and interviews.
  4. FCOR processes the application according to the Rules of Executive Clemency.
  5. Depending on the offense, you may receive a hearing before the Board of Executive Clemency or be granted clemency without a hearing.
  6. The Board of Executive Clemency (Governor + 3 Cabinet members) votes on clemency.

What a Pardon Does & Doesn't Do

Gun Rights

A full pardon may restore state firearm rights. A separate Specific Authority to Own, Possess, or Use Firearms may also be required. Federal restrictions may still apply.

Voting Rights

Amendment 4 (2018) automatically restores voting rights for most felons upon completion of sentence. Murder and sexual offenses are excluded and require clemency for voting restoration.

Effect on Criminal Record

A pardon does not expunge or seal the record in Florida. Florida has very limited expungement/sealing options.

Employment

A pardon can help with employment and professional licensing by demonstrating official forgiveness.

Processing Time & Likelihood

Average processing time: 5 to 10+ years from application to decision — Florida has one of the longest clemency backlogs in the nation

Pardon rate: Very low — the combination of long wait times and a restrictive process means few pardons are granted annually

Cost: Free — no filing fee for clemency applications

Pardon vs. Expungement in Florida

Florida has very limited expungement options — only one lifetime seal or expungement is allowed, and many offenses are ineligible. For convictions, the main option is to apply for a seal (if eligible) or pursue clemency. The clemency process is extremely slow, making whatever expungement/sealing is available a better first option.

See the full Floridaexpungement guide →

Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the clemency process take in Florida?
The Florida clemency process is notoriously slow. Expect 5 to 10+ years from application to a decision. The backlog has historically been one of the worst in the nation. Some applicants wait over a decade.
Does Amendment 4 mean I don't need a pardon to vote in Florida?
For most felonies, yes — Amendment 4 (2018) automatically restores voting rights upon completion of sentence (including probation, parole, and all financial obligations). However, murder and sexual offenses are excluded from Amendment 4 and require Board of Executive Clemency action to restore voting rights.
Can I restore my gun rights in Florida without a pardon?
No — firearm rights restoration in Florida requires clemency action by the Board of Executive Clemency. You must either receive a full pardon or a Specific Authority to Own, Possess, or Use Firearms from the Board.

Related Florida Pages

Related Resources on This Site

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Pardon and clemency laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney in Florida for advice about your specific situation.
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