Florida law describes two levels of employment background screening in Chapter 435 of the Florida Statutes. People often mix them up, and getting the wrong one can delay a job start or an application.
Level 1: a name-based search
A Level 1 check searches records using your name and personal identifiers. No fingerprints are taken. It's quick and affordable, and it's common for:
- Renting an apartment or buying a home
- Nanny, babysitter and some caregiver jobs
- Private employers that don't require fingerprints
- Reviewing your own record
Our Level 1 name check is $85 and covers an SSN trace, criminal records, the sex offender registry, evictions and credit.
Level 2: fingerprints, state and FBI
A Level 2 screening uses your fingerprints to search both Florida (FDLE) and national (FBI) records. Because it's tied to your fingerprints, not just your name, it's much harder to get wrong. It's required for many jobs that involve vulnerable people, including:
- Healthcare workers screened through AHCA
- Child care and daycare staff (DCF)
- Many school and education roles
- Programs for people with disabilities, juvenile justice and elder care
Level 2 screenings are submitted through Livescan, using the ORI number your employer or agency gives you.
Which one do I need?
If a Florida agency, licensing board or regulated employer asked for your background check, assume it's fingerprint-based and ask for the ORI. If a landlord, a family or a private employer asked, a Level 1 name check is often enough, but ask them to confirm.
Ordering a name check on someone else? You need their written consent and a legally permissible purpose, such as tenant screening or employment, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Common questions
Is a Level 2 background check the same as Livescan?
A Level 2 screening is fingerprint-based, and in Florida those fingerprints are submitted through Livescan. So when an employer asks for Level 2, you'll get Livescan fingerprints with their ORI number.
Can I use a Level 1 name check for a professional license?
Usually not. Licensing boards and most state agencies require fingerprint-based Livescan. A name check is best for personal, tenant and private-employer purposes.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change, and the agency requesting your background check has the final say. Results and decisions come from FDLE, the FBI and the requesting agency.