Getting an FDLE background check for the first time? Here’s what you need to know based on current requirements and real processing experiences from our Boca Raton office handling these daily.
What Is an FDLE Background Check?
An FDLE background check is a criminal history screening conducted by the Department of Law Enforcement. When employers or licensing boards request these checks, they’re verifying whether you have any arrests or convictions on record.
The state offers two screening levels:
Level 1: A name-based search through state criminal records. No fingerprinting required. Costs $24 and takes 1-2 days.
Level 2: A fingerprint-based search that checks both state (FDLE) and national (FBI) criminal databases. This searches records across all 50 states. Most employment situations require this level.
If your employer didn’t specify which type you need, it’s almost certainly Level 2. Understanding what a Level 2 background check includes helps you prepare for what information gets reviewed.
Who Needs an FDLE Level 2 Background Check?
State law requires Level 2 fingerprint screening for healthcare workers including nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, and home health aides. All K-12 education personnel including teachers, substitutes, and volunteers need them. Childcare and daycare workers must complete screening before working with children.
Professional licenses like real estate agents, security guards, and alarm system contractors require background checks. Starting January 2025, all youth sports coaches and volunteers need Level 2 screening, even for part-time hours.
Adoption and foster care applicants complete fingerprint screening as part of the approval process.
What Does It Cost?
| What You Pay For | Amount | Who Gets It |
| State Processing | $24 | Department of Law Enforcement |
| FBI National Search | $13-$18 | Federal government |
| Fingerprinting Service | $40-$60 | Fingerprinting provider |
| Total Cost | $77-$102 | Most pay $85-$95 |
Healthcare professionals keeping fingerprints on file pay an additional $43.25 retention fee every five years. The fingerprinting service fee varies by provider location.
The Background Check Process
Getting Your ORI Number
Your employer or licensing board provides an ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number. This code directs your results to the correct agency. Don’t schedule fingerprinting without confirming your ORI number first. Submissions without proper codes get rejected.
Finding Approved Fingerprinting Locations
FDLE background checks require electronic fingerprinting through approved LiveScan providers. Finding where to get LiveScan fingerprints involves checking for state-approved locations in your area.
Options include private fingerprinting companies with flexible scheduling, sheriff’s offices during designated public hours, or professional fingerprinting service providers.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Current government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID that’s not expired). Your complete Social Security number, not just the last four digits. The exact ORI number from your employer or licensing board. Payment in the form accepted by your provider. Any employer-provided forms related to your screening.
If you previously submitted fingerprints to the state system, bring your Transaction Control Number.
The Fingerprinting Appointment
The process takes about 10 minutes. You press your fingers on a digital scanner, they take your photo, verify your ID, enter your information, and submit everything electronically to the state database.
You receive a Transaction Control Number (TCN) before leaving. Keep this number for tracking purposes.
Processing Time and Results
Standard processing takes 3-5 business days for most submissions. The FBI portion may add 1-3 days if manual review is needed. Understanding the complete background check process timeline helps you plan when to get fingerprinted.
August through September and January see slower processing due to school hiring and healthcare license renewals.
Results go directly to the requesting agency via secure email. If you ordered a personal copy, you receive separate notification.
What Appears on Your Background Check
FDLE Level 2 checks show all state arrests (including those without conviction), case outcomes and dispositions, conviction records and sentencing details, incarceration history, active warrants, probation or parole status, sex offender registry matches, and federal arrests plus out-of-state records through FBI searches.
Background checks don’t include traffic tickets unless they involved arrest, credit history or financial records, civil lawsuits, or employment verification.
Court-sealed or expunged records generally don’t appear for private employers. Government agencies may still access them.
Common Problems and Solutions
Fingerprint rejections: Electronic LiveScan technology rejects poor-quality prints in less than 2% of cases. Quality providers verify fingerprint clarity before you leave.
Wrong ORI numbers: Results can’t route properly without the correct code. Always verify with your employer before scheduling.
Name mismatches: Use your legal name exactly as shown on your ID. Variations cause automatic rejections.
Timing issues: Most employers want checks completed within 90 days. Healthcare workers need renewal every five years. Schedule appropriately.
Personal Background Checks
You can request your own criminal history for $24 (state only) or $37 (state plus national). Many people check their records before job hunting to see what employers will find. The fingerprinting process is identical, but you provide your own contact information.
Choosing a Fingerprinting Provider
Sheriff’s offices typically charge lower service fees ($10-$25) but operate limited public hours and may have long wait times.
Professional providers charge $40-$60 but offer same-day appointments and experienced staff. Many locations also provide notary services if you need employment documents signed during your visit.
Preparing for Your Background Check
Don’t book your appointment until you have your ORI number in hand. Nothing’s more frustrating than showing up and realizing you can’t move forward without it.
Call the fingerprinting place first and ask what they accept for payment. Some only take cash, others prefer cards. Save yourself a second trip.
Gather your documents the night before. Driver’s license, Social Security number written down somewhere safe, and that ORI number. Double-check you have everything.
If you need results by a specific date, ask about typical turnaround times when you call. Processing can vary, especially during busy months. Professional background check services can tell you realistic timeframes based on current volumes.
Understanding Results and Next Steps
Once you walk out with your Transaction Control Number, your part is basically done. The agency that asked for your background check takes it from there. They receive your results and decide whether everything checks out based on their requirements.
If something looks wrong on your results or you spot incorrect information, don’t panic. Contact the agency that requested your screening first. They can walk you through what to do next or help you start fixing errors. Sometimes it’s just a matter of providing documentation that clears things up.
The waiting period between fingerprinting and getting hired can feel long, but most checks come back within a week unless there’s an issue.
