Lee County Clerk and Comptroller Kevin Karnes’ office will offer two free how-to classes this month:

How to Seal and Expunge a Criminal Record

On July 9 from 2-3 p.m., via the online platform Zoom, Karnes will host a class for the community to learn how to seal and expunge a criminal record. Florida law allows for some people to seal and/or expunge their criminal records. In both instances, these records are no longer available to the public. This process is targeted to those whose cases were dismissed, dropped by the state, or for those with not-guilty outcomes.

During the class, attendees will learn:

• General overview of sealing and expunging

• Eligibility & required forms

• Steps in the application process

• Steps in the filing process

• Related fees & hearing information

• Post sealing/expungement information

• Available contacts & resources

How to File and Respond to an Eviction Case

On July 23 from 2 to 3 p.m., via the online platform Zoom, Karnes will host a class for landlords and tenants who need information about the eviction process. 

This virtual class will cover the following:

• General eviction case information

• Required forms to file

• Steps in serving & responding to a summons

• Time limits & related fees

• Post filing & responding information

• Available contacts & resources

• A representative from the Lee County Legal Aid Society will be available for a Q&A session immediately following this presentation.

Both classes are free, but registration is required so participants can receive the Zoom link. Anyone interested in attending either or both can register here.

These classes are part of the “How-To” series provided by the Lee Clerk’s office to educate the community about all of the resources available to them. Recorded tutorials of past “How-To” classes.

Florida law prohibits the Clerk’s office from providing legal advice, and these seminars are solely for informational purposes.

For legal inquiries, customers should speak with an attorney.

In addition to the role of Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Clerk is the County Recorder and Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, and the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Auditor for Lee County.