How to Remove Florida Mugshot and Arrest Information from Internet and Search engines

Steps to Remove Florida Mugshot and Arrest Information from the Internet

1. Understand the Law

Florida's laws regarding the removal of mugshots are not as clear-cut as some other states. However, there are certain protections in place under Florida Statutes Section 901.43, which mandates that websites displaying mugshots must remove the information within 10 days of receiving a written request if the charges have been dropped, sealed, or expunged.

Actions to take:

• Expunge or Seal Your Record: If your case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you completed a diversion program, you may be eligible to have your record sealed or expunged. This is the first step in ensuring that websites no longer display your mugshot and arrest details.

  • Tip: You will need to apply for expungement or sealing through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This process may require the help of an attorney.

2. Contact Mugshot Websites Directly

Many mugshot websites specialize in publishing public records for profit and often charge fees to remove mugshots from their platforms. However, under Florida’s 901.43 statute, if your arrest record has been expunged or sealed, they are required to remove it within 10 days after receiving a valid request.

How to Request Removal:

• Locate the contact information of the website (many have removal request forms).

• Submit a written request along with proof of expungement or sealing.

• Follow up if the website does not comply within the 10-day timeframe. You may need legal assistance if they refuse.

3. Submit a Google Removal Request

Even if a website removes your mugshot, the link may still appear in search engine results. Google allows users to request the removal of content that violates certain policies or local laws. If you’ve had your Florida mugshot removed from a website but it still appears in Google’s search results, you can request Google to de-index it.

Steps to Request Removal from Google:

• Visit Google’s Removal Request page.

• Submit the URL of the page where your mugshot or arrest record appears.

• Provide reasoning for why the content should be removed (e.g., expunged records, outdated information, etc.).

• Monitor your request’s status, and follow up if necessary.

4. Leverage Florida's Mugshot Removal Laws for Other Websites

Although Section 901.43 primarily applies to mugshot websites, you may use this legal framework to compel other platforms that display your mugshot to remove it, especially if the information is outdated or has been expunged. While this may require legal intervention, many reputable websites will voluntarily comply once they are aware of the law.

5. Hire a Reputation Management Company

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, mugshot and arrest records continue to linger online. In such cases, hiring a professional online reputation management (ORM) company may be the most efficient option. ORM companies can assist with:

• Contacting websites on your behalf to request removals.

• Pushing down negative search results by promoting positive content.

• Providing ongoing monitoring services to ensure new information doesn’t appear online.