Local DUI Laws

Introduction

If you’ve been convicted or arrested for a DUI in Florida, one of the most common questions is whether it will appear on background checks. The answer is straightforward—and significant. Yes, in most cases, a DUI will show up on background checks in Florida, and it can remain visible indefinitely.

Florida takes DUI offenses seriously, and that seriousness is reflected in how long the record lasts and how broadly it is shared. Whether you’re applying for a job, signing a lease, or seeking a professional license, your background may be reviewed—and a DUI can be a deciding factor.

But not all background checks are the same. The depth of information revealed depends on the type of check being performed, who’s requesting it, and what level of access they have. In this blog post, we’ll break down the different types of background checks in Florida, explain how a DUI is recorded and shared, and explore what that means for employment, housing, and more.

If you’re wondering whether a DUI will follow you during background screenings in Florida, and how long it will continue to affect your opportunities, this post provides the answers you need.

How Background Checks Work in Florida

In Florida, background checks are commonly used by employers, landlords, licensing boards, and government agencies. These checks range from basic searches to more detailed reviews of criminal and driving records, depending on the purpose and level of screening required.

There are two main types of background checks frequently used in Florida:

• Level 1 Background Checks: These are name-based and limited to Florida criminal history. They may include local arrest records and convictions but don’t include fingerprinting or national databases.
• Level 2 Background Checks: These are more comprehensive and include fingerprint-based checks across state and federal criminal databases. They’re typically used for positions of trust, such as those in education, healthcare, or childcare.

In both cases, DUI arrests and convictions are typically visible. Florida does not automatically remove old DUI records from databases, and these records can appear during screenings long after the legal process has concluded.

Understanding how these checks work—and how your records are shared—helps clarify why DUIs continue to appear in background reports across various sectors in Florida.

How DUI Records Are Maintained and Shared

DUI records in Florida are maintained through two primary systems: criminal records managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and driving records managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Both can contribute information to background checks.

• A criminal record includes arrest details, charges, court outcomes, and sentencing. A DUI conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal history and is retained indefinitely.
• A driving record includes violations, license suspensions, and DUI-related infractions. Florida keeps DUI convictions on your driving record for 75 years, which effectively means for life.

These records are shared with authorized parties conducting background checks. Law enforcement, government agencies, and many employers have access to statewide databases. For more in-depth checks, such as those required for sensitive positions, national databases are also searched.

Because these systems are interconnected and accessible, a DUI is likely to show up whether you’re applying for a job, a rental home, or a state-issued license.

DUI Arrests vs. DUI Convictions on Background Checks

When it comes to background checks, there’s a critical difference between a DUI arrest and a DUI conviction—but both can appear on your record.

• A DUI arrest may show up even if charges were later dropped or dismissed. Unless the arrest record is successfully sealed or expunged, it remains visible to those running background checks.
• A DUI conviction, which results from a guilty plea or court ruling, becomes a permanent part of your criminal history. In Florida, DUI convictions cannot be expunged or sealed, meaning they are visible on background checks for life.

For someone who was arrested but never convicted, there may be legal options to limit visibility. However, if you were convicted, the record will appear in all standard background screenings, including those used for jobs, housing, and professional licensing.

This distinction is especially important for those hoping to manage or minimize the impact of a past DUI. While not all arrests lead to long-term consequences, convictions nearly always do in Florida.

How Employers Use DUI Records in Hiring Decisions

Many employers in Florida conduct background checks before making hiring decisions, and DUI convictions are a common red flag in this process—especially in jobs involving driving, security, or public trust.

The effect of a DUI on employment depends on several factors:

• Industry requirements: Jobs in healthcare, education, law enforcement, and transportation often have strict policies about criminal convictions. A DUI may automatically disqualify applicants in these sectors.
• Time since conviction: Some employers are more forgiving if the conviction happened many years ago and there’s been no repeat offense.
• Job responsibilities: Positions requiring driving, handling sensitive data, or working with vulnerable groups are more likely to be impacted by DUI findings.
• Company policy: Some organizations have zero-tolerance policies for any criminal convictions, while others assess candidates on a case-by-case basis.

Even though a DUI won’t automatically disqualify you from all jobs, it does limit options—especially if it appears on every background check. Being aware of how employers use this data helps you prepare for questions and explain the situation when necessary.

DUI and Background Checks for Housing and Licensing

Beyond employment, background checks are also common in housing applications and professional licensing in Florida. In these areas, a DUI conviction can raise additional challenges.

Housing applications: Many landlords and property management companies run background checks on potential tenants. A DUI on your record could be seen as a risk factor, especially in regulated housing environments or multi-family properties. While it may not always lead to a denial, it can affect your approval odds—particularly if paired with other criminal history.

Professional licensing: Boards that oversee professions like teaching, nursing, law, and real estate often conduct detailed background checks. A DUI may not automatically prevent licensure, but it can lead to delays, additional documentation requirements, or even denials. Repeat offenses or recent convictions are especially problematic.

While a single DUI doesn’t always result in disqualification, its presence on your record adds complexity to these processes. Knowing this in advance gives you time to prepare explanations or gather supporting materials if needed.

Expungement and Sealing: Can You Remove a DUI?

In Florida, DUI convictions cannot be expunged or sealed. This rule applies regardless of whether it was your first offense or how much time has passed. Once a conviction is entered, it becomes a permanent part of your criminal record.

There are limited situations where a DUI-related arrest (not conviction) might be eligible for sealing or expungement. For example, if the charges were dropped or dismissed and no conviction occurred, you may qualify—provided you meet strict eligibility criteria.

But for the vast majority of DUI cases that end in conviction, no legal option exists in Florida to erase or hide the record from background checks.

This permanence is one reason why DUI offenses in Florida carry long-term consequences that extend far beyond court dates and fines. The impact on your record remains visible, often indefinitely, and influences how employers, landlords, and agencies evaluate you.

How to Manage the Impact of a DUI on Background Checks

Even if you can’t remove a DUI conviction from your background, there are ways to manage its impact and move forward:

• Be honest: If asked about criminal history, provide truthful answers. Many employers and landlords value honesty and context.
• Focus on rehabilitation: Showing that you’ve learned from the experience—through education, community service, or maintaining a clean record—can help reduce the negative perception.
• Get legal advice: For those with dropped or dismissed charges, a qualified attorney can help determine if sealing or expungement is an option.
• Know your rights: Employers and landlords must follow federal and state laws when using background checks. You may have recourse if you’re denied unfairly.
• Target the right opportunities: Some jobs or housing providers are more flexible than others. Focus your efforts on those with reasonable policies toward past offenses.

Managing the consequences of a DUI record isn’t always easy—but by understanding how background checks work and responding appropriately, you can take control of your future.

FAQ Section

Does a DUI show up on all background checks in Florida?
Yes. DUI convictions appear on both Level 1 and Level 2 background checks, and they remain visible indefinitely in most cases.

Will a DUI arrest show up if I wasn’t convicted?
Yes, arrests can show up even if you weren’t convicted. However, you may be eligible to have the arrest sealed or expunged under certain conditions.

Can employers see DUIs from many years ago?
Yes. Florida does not limit how far back background checks can go for criminal convictions, including DUIs.

Are DUIs visible in background checks for housing?
Yes. Many landlords run criminal background checks, and a DUI can influence rental approval decisions.

Can I expunge or seal a DUI conviction in Florida?
No. Florida law prohibits the expungement or sealing of DUI convictions. The record is permanent.

Do I have to disclose a DUI if it was expunged?
If your DUI arrest was expunged (and not a conviction), you may not need to disclose it in most situations. However, this does not apply to convictions.

Will a DUI affect getting a professional license in Florida?
It can. Many licensing boards consider criminal records during the application process. A DUI may lead to extra review or denial, depending on the board.

Conclusion

In Florida, a DUI does show up on background checks, and for most people, it’s a permanent part of their public record. Whether you’re applying for a job, renting an apartment, or seeking a license, the DUI is likely to appear—especially if it resulted in a conviction.

Understanding how background checks work, what information is included, and how long it stays visible gives you a clear view of what to expect. While you may not be able to remove the DUI from your record, you can take steps to explain the context, demonstrate rehabilitation, and move forward with confidence.

To explore the broader consequences of DUI records, visit our full guide on DUI Records And Long Term Impact. For a deeper look into how these convictions appear during screenings, check out How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks.