Level 2 Background Screening in Florida: A Complete Guide for Professionals
Florida's Level 2 background check explained — which jobs need it, how it differs from Level 1, what gets checked, and how to complete your screening quickly.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 Background Checks
Florida has two tiers of background screening. Level 1 is a basic name-based check that searches Florida-only criminal records. Level 2 is a comprehensive, fingerprint-based check that searches both FDLE (Florida) and FBI (national) databases. Level 2 is required for anyone working with vulnerable populations — children, the elderly, the disabled — or for professions requiring state licensure.
- Level 1: Name-based, Florida only, basic criminal history. Used for some employment positions and volunteer roles.
- Level 2: Fingerprint-based, FDLE + FBI, comprehensive national search. Required for licensed professionals, healthcare workers, teachers, childcare, and law enforcement.
Who Needs Level 2 Screening in Florida?
Level 2 screening is mandatory for a wide range of professions under Florida statutes. If you fall into any of these categories, you'll need fingerprint-based screening:
- Healthcare: Nurses (RN, LPN, CNA), physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, dentists, and all DOH-licensed practitioners
- Education: Teachers, school administrators, bus drivers, and any school contractor or vendor with student contact
- Childcare: Daycare workers, foster parents, and DCF-licensed facility staff
- Elder care: Nursing home and assisted living facility employees
- Security: Class D and G license holders, private investigators, and security agency managers (Chapter 493)
- Government: State and local government employees in designated positions
- Volunteers: Anyone volunteering with children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities (VECHS)
What Does Level 2 Check?
A Level 2 background check searches both FDLE (state) and FBI (national) criminal history databases. Specifically, it looks for:
- Florida criminal history (arrests, charges, convictions)
- National criminal history via the FBI's CJIS database
- Sexual predator and offender registries
- Disqualifying offenses that bar employment in specific fields
Certain offenses permanently disqualify individuals from specific professions — particularly healthcare, childcare, and education. Florida Statute 435.04 lists disqualifying offenses for these fields, including violent crimes, drug trafficking, and crimes involving children or vulnerable adults.
How Long Does Level 2 Screening Take?
With electronic Live Scan fingerprinting through an authorized provider like Provn, Level 2 results are typically returned to the requesting agency within 24–72 hours. Some checks — particularly those with no criminal history — can clear same-day. Ink card submissions take 2–8 weeks and have a much higher rejection rate.
How to Get Level 2 Screening Done
- 01Confirm your ORI number — provided by your employer, licensing board, or application instructions.
- 02Book an appointment or walk into a Live Scan provider — we're open 7 days, 8AM–9PM.
- 03Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- 04We capture your prints digitally and submit them electronically to FDLE and the FBI.
- 05Your agency receives the screening results directly — you'll be notified by your employer or licensing board.
Level 2 clearance does not expire, but many employers and licensing boards require renewal every 5 years. Check with your specific agency or board for their retention policy.
Ready for your Level 2 screening?
Book your appointment — $129 all-inclusive