Types of Background Checks in Florida — FDLE, FBI, Clearinghouse & More
Florida Has Several Types of Background Checks — Here’s What You Need to Know
Not all background checks are the same. Depending on the purpose, you may need:
- FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement)
- FBI National Background Check
- AHCA/DOH Clearinghouse Screening
- VECHS (Volunteers & Employee Criminal History System)
- Personal review / Identity history check
- Fingerprinting-only service for out-of-state or private agencies
Below is a simple guide to help customers understand what each type means.
1. FDLE Background Check (Florida Statewide Check)
This is a state-only criminal history search.
It includes:
- Arrest records
- Convictions
- Warrants
- Florida-only charges
Used for licensing and employment for agencies like:
- DBPR
- DOH (certain professions)
- Real estate professionals
- Security officers
- Teachers
Requires a specific ORI code for proper routing.
2. FBI Background Check (National Criminal History Check)
This check searches all 50 states and federal databases.
Common uses:
- Immigration
- Visa applications
- Personal review
- Adoption
- Out-of-state licensing
- International travel or foreign employment
At Bay Area Livescan, we offer:
- FBI personal background checks
- Apostille guidance for customers needing international documents
3. Clearinghouse Background Screening (AHCA / DOH / DCF / Medicaid)
The Clearinghouse is Florida’s centralized system for healthcare background checks.
Screens include:
- FDLE state check
- FBI national check
- Mugshot + photo submission
- Ongoing arrest monitoring
This is required for:
- CNAs
- Nurses
- Home-health aides
- Assisted living facility staff
- Medicaid providers
- Behavioral health workers
- Medical office staff
These screenings must be tied to the employer through the Clearinghouse portal.
4. VECHS Background Screening
Designed for:
- Volunteers
- Non-profit organizations
- Private schools
- Youth programs
Two types:
- VECHS Volunteer
- VECHS Employee
5. Fingerprinting-Only Services
Sometimes, customers need fingerprints but do not need a Florida background check.
Examples:
- Out-of-state employers
- Federal agencies
- Licensing boards in other states
- FINRA
- FDLE card submissions
- FBI ink card submissions (FD-258)
We capture fingerprints and provide the required:
- Digital file
- Printed cards
- Electronic transmission (when available)
Choosing the Right Background Check
Because every agency requires a specific ORI number or purpose code, choosing correctly is critical. Submitting with the wrong ORI can delay licenses or cause rejection.
That’s why we help every client choose the correct screening before we start the process.
How Bay Area Livescan Makes It Easy
- Mobile fingerprinting that comes to you
- Highest-accuracy equipment
- We confirm ORI codes to avoid mistakes
- Same-day and next-day appointments
- Group rates for employers
- Bilingual service available
Your background check shouldn’t be stressful — we guide you from start to finish.
