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There is a way to “seal” or “expunge” a restraining order/injunction case in Florida — but the process is different from
sealing or expunging a criminal case, and it’s not usually called sealing/expunging at all. What you’re typically seeking is an order
to make court records confidential under Rule 2.420.
Why this matters: Many lawyers (and most self-represented litigants) don’t realize Rule 2.420 applies here,
and even when they do, judges often deny motions that don’t follow the rule’s step-by-step requirements.
If you’re trying to do this, the details of how the motion is drafted, filed, and served can be the difference.
Rule 2.420 is a Florida judicial administration rule that sets out the procedure to ask the court to determine that certain records
should be treated as confidential. This is the framework people usually mean when they say “seal” or “expunge” an injunction record.
What the court will focus on: whether you met the rule’s procedural requirements and whether you proved the legal standard
to treat records as confidential — including the required balancing of interests.
It depends on the outcome and posture of the case. As a general concept:
If the petitioner is willing, a lawyer may seek a joint stipulation (when appropriate) to support the requested confidentiality.
In practice, the posture can matter. If the petitioner did not appear and the case ended without the kind of findings that typically support long-term restrictions,
you may have a more favorable path — but you still must comply with Rule 2.420’s procedure and prove the applicable standard.
A joint stipulation (when appropriate) can still help, but it isn’t always required.
The motion generally requires you to prove a legal basis under Rule 2.420 — including a balancing of interests.
As a simplified concept, you must show the court why confidentiality is justified and how the rule’s standards apply to your situation.
Here is a commonly referenced example format for a Motion to Determine Confidentiality:
Motion to Determine Confidentiality (sample).
Tip: using a sample is not the same as filing correctly — the case posture, record, service, and requested relief need to match your situation.
Every situation is different, but if the injunction involves a spouse and your long-term goal is to resolve the relationship status,
family law guidance may be the next step. Learn more here:
Orlando Family Law / Divorce Team.
Some people try. The risk is that Rule 2.420 has specific procedural requirements and a legal standard that must be met.
If the motion is filed or served incorrectly, it may be denied even if your underlying reason is strong.
Reminder: If you want us to help, we can review your case posture, identify what relief is realistically available,
and make sure the motion is drafted, filed, and served in a way the court can actually rule on.
Florida Bar notice: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This page is general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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