The Florida Background Screening Process: What You Need to Know

When you are hiring or screening applicants in Florida, understanding the screening process is important. At first, it can feel overwhelming, especially with different types of background checks, fingerprinting requirements, county searches, federal searches, and compliance rules. However, once you break the process down, it becomes much easier to manage.

Whether you are an employer, property manager, agency, or organization working with applicants in Florida, knowing how the Florida screening process works can help you save time, avoid delays, and stay compliant.

Understanding the Florida Screening Process

Florida has specific rules and procedures for background checks. These requirements are designed to protect both the organization requesting the screening and the applicant being screened.

Depending on the purpose of the background check, the process may include:

• Criminal record searches

• Florida Level 2 fingerprint background checks

• Employment verification

• Education verification

• County criminal searches

• Federal criminal searches

• Drug Testing

• Additional screening services based on the role or industry

The goal is simple: to help you make informed decisions while following applicable background screening laws and procedures.

Here’s what you need to know about the Florida screening process.

Fingerprinting and Florida Level 2 Background Checks

Fingerprinting is required for many types of background checks in Florida, especially for regulated positions and industries. This is commonly referred to as a Florida Level 2 background check.

Before ordering a Florida Level 2 background check, you will always need your assigned ORI number. The ORI number tells the Florida Department of Law Enforcement where the fingerprint results should be sent and what agency or licensing authority is requesting the background check.

If you are not sure where to find your ORI number, review our guide on how to find your ORI number for a Florida Level 2 background check.

When you are ready, you can schedule a Level 2 Live Scan background check directly online.

Key things to remember:

• Florida Level 2 background checks require fingerprinting.

• All regulated roles require a specific ORI number before fingerprints can be submitted.

• The ORI number determines where the results are sent.

• Ordering the wrong ORI will delay the screening process and additional payment will be required, as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) does not provide refunds for incorrect ORI numbers.

• Applicants should confirm the correct ORI with their employer, licensing agency, or requesting organization before scheduling.

Criminal Records in Florida

Florida criminal records are maintained through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement . FDLE is a key resource for Florida criminal history searches and is often used as part of the background screening process.

However, it is important to understand that no single database search is always enough for every screening purpose. Depending on your needs, you may also want to include county criminal searches, federal criminal searches, or additional background screening services.

A Florida criminal background check may include:

• Statewide Florida criminal history records

• County-level criminal court searches

• Federal criminal court searches

• Sex offender registry searches

• Alias or name variation searches

• Drug Testing

• Additional searches based on the screening package selected

Federal and County Criminal Checks

In many cases, you may need more than a basic FDLE statewide search. County criminal records can reveal local offenses that may not appear in a statewide or federal database. Federal criminal searches can also identify cases handled through the federal court system, which are separate from state and county criminal records.

This is where Global Background Screening can help. Our Level 1 FDLE statewide search is available for $33.99 and includes county searches. Federal criminal searches can also be added at checkout for only $6.

• Order a Level 1 FDLE statewide search now.

This gives employers, property managers, and organizations a more complete view of the applicant’s background while keeping the process simple and affordable.

Why county and federal searches matter:

• County records may show local criminal cases not found in a basic database search.

• Federal criminal records are separate from state and county records.

• Some offenses are prosecuted at the federal level rather than the state level.

• Adding county and federal searches can provide a broader background screening report.

• A more complete search helps reduce the risk of missing important records.

Florida Background Check Compliance

Florida employment screening must also follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act, commonly known as the FCRA. This means employers must obtain proper authorization before running an employment background check. If an employer decides not to hire someone based in whole or in part on the background check results, they must also follow the proper adverse action process.

With Global Background Screening, the process is simple. You provide the applicant’s name and email address at checkout, and we handle the rest, including collecting the required documents, consent forms, and authorization forms.

For employment background checks, compliance generally includes:

• Getting written authorization from the applicant

• Providing required FCRA disclosures

• Using background check information only for a permissible purpose

• Following adverse action requirements when applicable

• Giving applicants the opportunity to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information

• Working with an FCRA-compliant background screening company

Understanding these basics can help you navigate the Florida screening process more smoothly. It can also help you avoid common issues such as missing required information, ordering the wrong type of search, or failing to follow proper compliance steps.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement building entrance

How do I check my own background in Florida?

If you’re wondering how to check your own background in Florida, it’s simpler than you might think. You can request your statewide background check through Global Background Screening's checkout portal:

1. Online Request: Visit the FDLE website and use their online portal to request your criminal history. You’ll need to provide your fingerprints or submit a request with your personal details. If you require additional services, go to our checkout portal and select the services needed.
   

2. Fingerprinting: If fingerprints are required, schedule your Level 2 FDLE fingerprints now. Please note, the FDLE will not provide you a copy of the report. However, if you'd like to get your own copy, you can order a National FBI Fingerprint Search, which goes back to your 18th birthday and is more detailed than the FDLE report, which only searches Florida.
   

3. The Process: Once you've been scheduled, you'll receive a QR code, the location and the time slot to show up for your appointment. Fingerprinting generally only takes around 5-10 minutes to complete.
   

4. Fees: Level 2 fingerprint fees vary based on your ORI number. Price ranges from $65 - $125 depending on the department.
   

5. Processing Time: It typically takes a 1-3 days to process your report.

   
   

Checking your own background is a smart move. It lets you see what employers or landlords will find. If there are errors, you can start correcting them early.

What Employers and Landlords Should Know

If you’re hiring or screening tenants, you need to be thorough. Here are some tips to help you get it right:

• Get Written Consent: Always get written permission before running a background check. This is a legal requirement under FCRA.
  

• Use a Trusted Provider: Choose a background screening service that understands Florida’s laws and offers clear pricing. This saves you from surprises.
  

• Check Multiple Sources: Don’t rely on just one database. Combine state, federal, and county checks for a full picture.
  

• Understand Disqualifiers: Know which offenses or issues are deal-breakers for your role or property. This helps you make consistent decisions.
  

• Keep Records: Document your screening process and decisions. This protects you if there’s ever a dispute.

  
  

By following these steps, you’ll protect your business and make fair, informed choices.

Close-up view of a computer screen showing a background check report

Why Using a Professional Screening Platform Matters

You might be tempted to do background checks yourself. But there are risks. A professional screening platform like Global Background Screening offers many advantages:

• Upfront Pricing: You see costs before you buy. No hidden fees or subscriptions.
  

• Global Coverage: If you hire internationally, you can screen candidates in 180+ countries with local expertise.
  

• Compliance: The platform follows FCRA and GDPR rules, so you stay legal.
  

• Speed and Accuracy: Fast turnaround times with verified results.
  

• Modern Reporting: Clear summaries and downloadable PDFs make it easy to review and share results.
  

• Additional Services: From tenant screening to social media scans, you get a full suite of options.

  
  

Using a professional service means less hassle and more confidence in your decisions. It’s a smart investment for any business or landlord.

What About Tenant Screening in Florida?

Tenant screening is a big part of the Florida screening process for property managers. You want to know if a potential tenant has a history of evictions, criminal activity, or financial issues. Here’s what to focus on:

• Credit Reports: Check credit history to assess financial responsibility.

• Eviction Records: Look for past evictions that might signal risk.

• Criminal Background: Screen for offenses that could affect safety or property.

• Employment Verification: Confirm income and job stability.

• References: Contact previous landlords or employers for insights.

• Order a Tenant Background Check Now

  
  

Remember, you must get tenant consent before running these checks. And be consistent with your screening criteria to avoid discrimination claims.

Staying Compliant and Avoiding Common Mistakes

Compliance is key in Florida’s screening process. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping Consent: Never run a background check without permission.

• Ignoring Adverse Action Rules: If you deny someone based on the report, you must notify them and provide a copy of the report.

• Using Outdated Information: Make sure your data sources are current.

• Failing to Secure Data: Protect applicant information to avoid breaches.

• Overlooking State-Specific Laws: Florida has unique rules, so don’t rely solely on federal guidelines.

  
  

Following these rules protects you from legal trouble and builds trust with candidates and tenants.

Final Thoughts on Navigating Florida Screening

Navigating the Florida screening process doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right knowledge and tools, you can make smart, compliant decisions quickly. Whether you’re hiring, managing tenants, or verifying credentials, understanding the process is your first step.

If you want a reliable, transparent way to handle background checks, consider using a professional platform like Global Background Screening. It offers speed, accuracy, and peace of mind. And remember, always get consent and follow the rules.