How to Get an FBI Background Check for Employment in Florida
Florida employers increasingly require FBI background checks. Here's what you need to know — Level 1 vs. Level 2, who needs what, and how to complete yours fast with no mistakes.
Do You Need an FBI Check or a Level 2 Screening?
This is the most common confusion. In Florida, 'FBI background check' can mean two different things: (1) an FBI Identity History Summary — a personal document you receive and submit wherever needed, or (2) a Level 2 screening — a fingerprint-based check that goes to both FDLE and FBI and is returned directly to your employer or licensing board. Which one you need depends entirely on who's asking.
Scenario A: Level 2 Screening for Florida Employment
If your employer or licensing board says you need 'fingerprinting,' 'Live Scan,' or 'Level 2,' they want an electronic submission through the FDLE system. This is the most common scenario for Florida jobs:
- Healthcare: nurses, CNAs, physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists — all DOH-licensed professions
- Education: teachers, school staff, bus drivers, contractors with student contact
- Childcare: daycare staff, foster parents, DCF-licensed facilities
- Security: Class D and G license holders, private investigators (Chapter 493)
- Real estate: agents and brokers (DBPR/FREC)
- Elder care: nursing home and assisted living staff
For Level 2: you need your ORI number (from your employer or application packet), a valid ID, and a Live Scan fingerprinting appointment. Results go directly to the requesting agency — you typically won't receive them yourself.
Scenario B: FBI Identity History Summary for Employment
If your employer — especially an out-of-state or international employer — asks for 'an FBI background check' or 'FBI clearance letter,' they want the Identity History Summary. This is a document you receive directly and provide to your employer yourself. Common scenarios:
- International employment — teaching abroad, working for a foreign company, or positions requiring work visas
- Out-of-state jobs where the employer wants a national FBI check — not just a Florida state check
- Financial services — certain FINRA, SEC, or banking positions requiring FBI clearances
- Government contractors — positions requiring federal background investigations
- Personal record requests — if you want to see your own FBI file before applying
What Employers Actually Check
A Level 2 screening searches both FDLE (Florida criminal history) and FBI (national criminal history) databases, plus sexual predator/offender registries. It looks for arrests, charges, and convictions — including dismissed cases in some professions. Certain offenses permanently disqualify you from healthcare, childcare, and education roles under Florida Statute 435.04.
How to Complete Your Check Correctly
- 01Confirm whether you need Level 2 (electronic) or an Identity History Summary (document you receive). Ask your employer or check your offer letter.
- 02Get your ORI number — required for Level 2. Your employer, HR department, or application materials will provide it.
- 03Book an appointment at an FDLE-authorized Live Scan provider. Walk-ins are fine, but booking reserves your slot.
- 04Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, passport, or permanent resident card.
- 05For Level 2: your agency receives results in 24–72 hours. You'll be notified by your employer or licensing board.
- 06For Identity History Summary: you receive results same-day or within 24 hours via secure email.
If your employer hasn't specified which type they need, ask before your appointment. A Level 2 submission to the wrong ORI wastes time and money. When in doubt, call us at (347) 635-5418 — we help sort this out every day.
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