A pardon is an official document issued by the government that forgives a person for a crime they have been convicted of. A pardon does not erase the conviction from a person’s record, but it can restore certain rights and privileges that were lost as a result of the conviction. In Florida, the governor has the authority to grant pardons.
There are several benefits to obtaining a pardon. A pardon can help a person get a job, obtain housing, or qualify for certain types of government assistance. A pardon can also restore the right to vote and the right to own a firearm.