When it comes to hiring employees or screening tenants in Florida, conducting a thorough background check is crucial. Whether you’re an employer, landlord, or individual looking to verify your own records, having the right information ensures safe and informed decision-making.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the types of background checks available in Florida, along with information about each option and how to order them easily through our platform.
Table of Contents
Ordering an Online Background Check
Global Background Screening makes it incredibly easy to order an online background check. Simply select the services you need, view clear upfront pricing, and complete checkout in seconds. Additional services can be easily added to customize your screening package. Once ordered, results are delivered directly to your email. We also handle all legal compliance, from FCRA to GDPR, ensuring your applicants receive authorization forms and that your processes meet regulatory standards. With no surprise fees and no setup costs, GBS simplifies the entire process, making HR tasks more efficient and stress-free.
Types of Florida Background Checks
Statewide Criminal FL Background Check (Level 1)
A Statewide FL Criminal Background Check, also known as a Level 1 background check, covers only state records. It’s a more basic background check typically used for entry-level employment and tenant screening. Level 1 Florida Background Check is NOT a fingerprint background check. This check will reveal criminal history within Florida, including active warrants, but does not extend beyond the state’s borders. If you'd like to receive the report for employment purposes, select employment and we will filter it by the Fair Credit Reporting Act guidelines. If you select for licensing or personal purposes, you can choose to view all data.
For easy access to this service, you can check out the statewide FL background check here:
Easily add additional services to your Level 1 Background Check:
Drug Testing
Terror Watch List Search
Medical Sanctions / Abuse Registry Search
Employer Verifications
Education Verifications
National Criminal Search
Level 2 FDLE Background Check
A Level 2 FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) Background Check is more comprehensive, involving fingerprinting to check both state and federal databases. Level 2 checks are required for sensitive roles, such as healthcare or childcare positions, and are essential for compliance in many industries.
To order a Level 2 background check, you must have an ORI number. This allows the background check to be sent to the designated employer or organization. Learn more about Level 2 background checks: What's a Level 2 Background Check in Florida.
National Employment Background Check (Non-Fingerprint)
The National Employment Background Check goes beyond state-level checks, covering national and local court records, alias names, and Social Security number verification. This comprehensive check uses a robust national database that generally covers all criminal records in Florida, with the exception of a few counties. The check also includes nationwide active warrant searches, national sex offender registries, and finds and searches all alias names based off the SSN trace.
You can further customize this screening by adding options like Motor Vehicle Reports, Online Reputation Checks, Social Media Background Checks, and Adverse Media Searches. For a deeper dive, consider adding past employer verifications. (Learn about how we verify employment here), school verifications/degree verifications (Learn how we verifiy college degree verifications here), drug testing, civil records searches, and more.
To order this full employment background check, use the Employee Background Check link (link to be added).
If your employer or school is requesting a FDLE fingerprint background check go here to schedule the: FDLE Florida Fingerprint Background Check
International Background Checks
For those needing background checks beyond the United States, we offer international background checks in more than 150 countries. Easily see pricing, turnaround time and all services on the button below. Services available are Criminal Records, Civil Records, Motor Vehicle Reports, Identity Document Validation, Employment / Education Verifications, and Social Media Screening.
Do you need a background check in the USA and Internationally, select "mutli-country" checkout portal on the button below to easily order cross-country background checks on your candidates.
Nanny Background Check in Florida
If you’re hiring a nanny, it’s vital to ensure their trustworthiness and background safety. Find all you need to know about nanny checks and order here: Comprehensive Nanny Background Check.
Personal Background Check Florida Background Check
Need a background check on yourself for licensing, tenant screening, immigration or because you're simply curious on what shows up for employers?
You can perform an online personal background check that covers up to 7 years (or extend it to 10 years). This is the most common employer background check. Select whether you need a personal background check in the USA or outside the USA, view pricing and checkout here:
Alternatively, you can perform a personal FBI fingerprint background check that goes back to your 18th birthday in all 50 states. This check will provide you arrests and convictions, which is conducted for jobs such as firefighters, police officers, gun sales, hospitals, and other roles that involve children or vulnerable individuals. As it's national, you will receive more than a Florida Department of Law Enforcement Level 2 check and does not require an ORI number. Fingerprint results will be emailed directly to you, unlike the FDLE Level 2 background check.
Florida Background Check FAQ
What is Deferred Prosecution? Deferred prosecution is an agreement between a defendant and the State Attorney’s Office, where the defendant must complete specific requirements within a set timeframe. If all conditions are met, the charges are dropped. (Fees may need to be paid to officially have the charges dropped).
What is the "No Information Filed" disposition in Florida?
Believe it or not, “No Information Filed” is a legal court term used in the state of Florida that indicates the State Attorney’s Office decided not to file formal charges after reviewing the case. This is a non-conviction.
What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 background check in Florida?
A Level 1 Florida background check is a name-based search that covers only state records. It is more basic and typically used for lower-risk positions.
A Level 2 Florida background check involves fingerprinting and includes both state and federal criminal records. It is required for higher-risk positions, such as those in healthcare or childcare.
Do I need an ORI number to order a Level 2 FDLE background check for employment or licensing purposes?
Yes, an ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number is required to perform a Level 2 FDLE background check. It directs the results to the designated employer or organization.
Is drug testing available as an add-on to background checks?
Yes, you can add drug testing to any employment background check. We offer a variety of drug screening options to suit different industries and requirements.
With these background checks and services, Florida employers and landlords can ensure they’re making safe, compliant, and informed hiring and tenant decisions. Plus, all our services come with upfront pricing and no setup fees, making it easy to order and access the information you need 24/7.
