Applying for a Florida professional license, job, volunteer position, or regulated service may require an FDLE background check. Although the process can sound complicated, it is usually
straightforward when you have the correct information and work with an experienced LiveScan fingerprinting provider.

An FDLE background check is a fingerprint-based criminal history search processed through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Depending on the requesting agency and purpose of the screening, the fingerprints may be checked against Florida criminal history records and FBI national criminal history records.

This step-by-step guide explains how FDLE background checks work, what information you need before your appointment, where the results go, and how to avoid common delays.

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📍 Conveniently Located: 11492 Bluegrass Parkway #134 Louisville, Ky. 40299

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What Is an FDLE Background Check?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains Florida’s central repository of criminal history information. FDLE processes fingerprint-based background checks for authorized Florida licensing agencies, employers, governmental organizations, and other approved entities.

For many state and national criminal history checks, the applicant’s fingerprints must be submitted electronically through a LiveScan device. The FBI requires electronic fingerprint submission for state and national criminal history record checks processed through this system.

Unlike a basic name-based search, a fingerprint-based check uses your unique fingerprints to search for possible criminal history records associated with your identity.

Who May Need an FDLE Background Check?

An FDLE fingerprint background check may be required for people seeking:

• Florida healthcare employment or licensing
• Nursing or other professional licenses
• Employment with certain schools or childcare organizations
• Real estate or financial services licensing
• Contractor or vendor approval
• Volunteer positions involving vulnerable populations
• Employment in assisted living or long-term care
• Other Florida-regulated occupations

The specific requirements depend on the Florida agency receiving the background check.

Applicants should always contact the licensing board, employer, or requesting agency to confirm the correct type of screening.

Step 1: Obtain the Correct ORI Number

The most important part of an FDLE fingerprint submission is the ORI number.
ORI stands for Originating Agency Identifier. It tells FDLE which agency requested your
background check and where the results must be delivered.
Your ORI number may be supplied by:

• Your employer
• A Florida licensing board
• A school or educational organization
• A healthcare or childcare agency
• A state regulatory department
• The organization requesting your fingerprints

Do not guess your ORI number or use one found through an unrelated online search. Different occupations and agencies use different ORI numbers. An incorrect ORI may cause your fingerprints to be routed to the wrong agency or may require you to complete and pay for another submission.

FDLE provides an Applicant ORI Fee Search that can be used to validate a complete ORI number and view its associated government fees.

What if I do not have an ORI number?

Contact the agency, employer, or licensing board that instructed you to obtain the background check. Your fingerprinting provider generally cannot determine which ORI applies without documentation from the requesting agency.

Step 2: Confirm Any Additional Agency Requirements

Some Florida agencies require more than fingerprints.

Depending on the purpose of your screening, you may also need:

• An agency or application number
• A Florida license application number
• A photograph taken during the appointment
• A waiver or consent form
• A VECHS Waiver Agreement
• Employer or facility information
• A specific payment process
• Retention or Clearinghouse enrollment

For example, some screenings submitted through Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse may require a photograph with the fingerprint submission. FDLE advises providers and applicants to confirm the receiving agency’s specifications because requirements can vary.

Review all instructions you received before scheduling your appointment.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment With a Qualified LiveScan
Provider

FDLE background checks are generally submitted through an authorized electronic LiveScan system.

LiveScan technology digitally captures your fingerprints and checks the images for quality before they are transmitted. This helps reduce problems caused by smudging, poor ink distribution, or incomplete fingerprint patterns.

FDLE requires vendors, agencies, and entities that electronically submit applicant fingerprints for authorized criminal history checks to maintain an agreement with the department and comply with quality, security, payment, and auditing requirements.

If you live outside Florida, ask the fingerprinting provider whether it can electronically submit fingerprints directly to FDLE. Not every fingerprinting business has the necessary equipment or submission capability.

Step 4: Bring the Required Information to Your Appointment

Applicants should bring:

• A valid government-issued photo ID
• The correct ORI number
• Any agency instructions or referral forms
• Required application or license numbers
• Employer or facility information, when applicable
• Payment for the fingerprinting and background-check fees

Examples of acceptable identification may include a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, passport, or another approved government photo ID.

Your personal information must be entered accurately. Make sure your name, date of birth, and other identifying information match your official documents.

A misspelled name, incorrect date of birth, wrong ORI, or missing application number can delay processing or interfere with the agency’s ability to locate your results.

Step 5: Your Identity Is Verified

Before your fingerprints are captured, the technician verifies your identity and reviews the information required for the submission.

Identity verification is an important part of a fingerprint-based background check. It helps confirm that the fingerprints being submitted belong to the person identified in the application.

You may be asked to confirm:

• Full legal name
• Previous or maiden names
• Date of birth
• Social Security number, when required
• Sex
• Race
• Height and weight
• Citizenship
• Address
• Contact information
• Employer or licensing information

Review the information carefully before the transaction is submitted.

Step 6: Your Fingerprints Are Captured Electronically

During the appointment, the technician captures your fingerprints using a LiveScan scanner.

The process commonly includes:

1. Four fingers from the right hand
2. Four fingers from the left hand
3. Both thumbs
4. Individual rolled fingerprint impressions

The system reviews the fingerprint images for quality. If an image is unclear, the technician may recapture that finger before completing the submission.

The process is inkless, secure, and generally completed within a short appointment.

Step 7: Your Fingerprints Are Transmitted to FDLE

Once the fingerprints and demographic information have been reviewed, the transaction is electronically transmitted through the appropriate system.

The submission includes a Transaction Control Number, commonly called a TCN. The TCN is a unique tracking number associated with the fingerprint transaction.

Keep your receipt and TCN. FDLE’s Civil Workflow Control System allows a transaction’s status to be checked using the complete TCN.

The TCN may also be needed if:

• The requesting agency cannot locate the submission
• You need to verify that the transaction was received
• A payment issue occurs
• You need assistance from the fingerprint provider
• FDLE requests additional informatio

Step 8: FDLE and the FBI Search Criminal History Databases

After receiving the submission, FDLE processes the fingerprints through the applicable criminal history systems.

Depending on the authorization and purpose of the screening, the search may include:

• Florida criminal history information maintained by FDLE
• National criminal history information maintained by the FBI
• Other authorized databases or program-specific information

FDLE’s repository contains Florida arrest information reported through fingerprint-based records. When an authorized state and national check is required, qualifying agencies may also receive applicable out-of-state or federal criminal history information through the FBI.

Step 9: Results Are Sent to the Requesting Agency

The results are not normally sent to the fingerprinting provider.
FDLE states that fingerprint-based criminal history results are delivered to the requesting agency or authorized entity rather than to the individual applicant or LiveScan service provider.

Depending on the program, results may be delivered through a secure state system. For example, VECHS electronic results are posted to the FDLE Information Notification System, and the
participating organization receives an email notification when the information is available.

This means your fingerprint technician usually cannot view your report, tell you whether you passed, or provide you with a copy of the criminal history results.

Step 10: The Agency Reviews Your Eligibility

FDLE performs the criminal history search, but the agency, employer, or licensing board generally makes the final eligibility decision.

FDLE does not decide whether an applicant qualifies for employment, licensing, a scholarship, or a volunteer position. The receiving organization reviews the results under the laws and standards that apply to its program.

A criminal history record does not automatically mean an application will be denied. The outcome may depend on:

• The type of offense
• How long ago it occurred
• Whether the charge resulted in a conviction
• The requirements of the profession
• Applicable exemption procedures
• The rules of the receiving agency

Questions about approval, disqualification, or exemptions should be directed to the agency that is reviewing your application.

How Long Does an FDLE Background Check Take?

Processing times vary according to the type of submission, fingerprint quality, agency requirements, payment status, database responses, and whether additional research is needed.

For VECHS submissions, FDLE states that combined state and national results are usually made available to the qualified entity within three business days. Other agency programs may have
different timelines.

Delays may occur when:

• Fingerprints are rejected for poor quality
• The ORI number is incorrect
• Required information is missing
• Payment has not been completed
• The applicant’s information does not match the application
• A criminal history record requires additional review
• The licensing agency has not connected the results to the application

Applicants should contact the requesting agency for the status of the final review.

How Much Does an FDLE Background Check Cost?

The total price may include:

• FDLE state processing fees
• FBI processing fees, when applicable
• Fingerprint retention or program fees
• Clearinghouse-related fees
• The LiveScan provider’s fingerprinting service fee

The exact government fee depends on the ORI and reason for fingerprinting. Fees can vary between professions, volunteer screenings, employees, licensing agencies, and statutory programs.

Because fee schedules may change, applicants should confirm the current total when scheduling their appointment. FDLE notes that fees vary according to the customer type and purpose of the screening.

What Is a Level 2 Background Check?

The term “Level 2 background check” is commonly used in Florida for a fingerprint-based state and national criminal history screening required under applicable Florida law.

It generally involves:

• Electronic fingerprint collection
• A Florida criminal history search
• An FBI national criminal history search
• Review by the authorized requesting agency

Not every FDLE fingerprint submission is identical, and not every profession follows the same screening rules. Your employer or licensing agency should tell you whether you need a Level 2 screening and provide the correct ORI number.

Common FDLE Fingerprinting Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common problems:

Using the wrong ORI number

The ORI controls where the results are delivered. Always obtain it from the requesting agency.

Arriving without the agency instructions

Bring the email, form, application notice, or referral document that explains your fingerprinting requirements.

Entering information that does not match your application

Use the same legal name and identifying information used on your  Florida license or employment application.

Assuming the fingerprint provider receives the results

The provider captures and submits the fingerprints but generally does not receive or review your criminal history report.

Losing the TCN receipt

Keep your transaction receipt until your agency confirms that the results have been received and connected to your application.

Waiting until the last minute

Schedule your appointment early enough to allow time for processing, agency review, and possible fingerprint resubmission.

Can You Complete FDLE Fingerprinting Outside Florida?

Yes.

Applicants living outside Florida may be able to visit a qualified provider that has the technology and authorization needed to electronically submit the fingerprints to FDLE. This can eliminate the need to travel to Florida solely for fingerprinting.

Before scheduling, confirm that the provider can submit to the correct Florida agency and that your specific ORI is eligible for the provider’s submission method.

FDLE LiveScan Fingerprinting in Louisville, Kentucky

The Genesis Shop helps customers in Louisville, Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and surrounding communities complete electronic fingerprinting for Florida licensing and employment requirements.

Our professional fingerprint technicians help applicants:

• Review the required submission information
• Verify the ORI number provided by the agency
• Capture high-quality electronic fingerprints
• Submit qualifying transactions electronically
• Receive and retain their TCN receipt
• Understand the next steps after submission

Applicants should bring their valid photo identification, ORI number, agency instructions, and any required application or license information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive a copy of my FDLE results?
Usually, the results are sent directly to the requesting agency. The fingerprinting provider does not normally receive them.

Can The Genesis Shop tell me whether I passed?
No. The licensing agency, employer, or regulatory organization reviews the results and makes the eligibility decision.

What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?
The requesting agency or fingerprint provider may notify you that a new set is required. Rejections can occur when fingerprint ridge detail is difficult to capture because of age, occupation, skin condition, injury, or other factors.

Can I use the same fingerprints for multiple Florida licenses?
Not necessarily. Different agencies may have different ORI numbers, retention requirements, and legal authority to receive the results. Confirm with each licensing agency before assuming a previous submission can be reused.

Does an FDLE check have an expiration date?
FDLE does not place a universal expiration date on criminal history checks. However, the receiving agency may establish its own rules regarding how recent a screening must be.

Schedule Your FDLE Fingerprinting Appointment

A successful FDLE background check starts with accurate information, the correct ORI number, and a properly completed electronic fingerprint submission.

The Genesis Shop provides professional LiveScan fingerprinting services for customers who need Florida background screening for employment, licensing, healthcare, education, volunteering, and other authorized purposes.

Contact The Genesis Shop to schedule your FDLE fingerprinting appointment in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Genesis Shop
Professional Fingerprinting and Background Check Services
Serving Louisville, Kentucky, Kentuckiana, and Southern Indiana

Disclaimer: The Genesis Shop is a fingerprint collection and submission provider. We do not determine licensing or employment eligibility and cannot provide legal advice. Applicants should verify all requirements with the Florida agency, employer, or licensing board requesting the background check.

📞 Call: 502-544-7400

📧 Email: lisa@thegenesisshop.com

📍 Address: 11492 Bluegrass Parkway #134 Louisville, Ky. 40299