APD Fingerprinting in Florida: A Guide for ABA Providers and Disability Service Workers

What Is APD Fingerprinting?

APD fingerprinting refers to an FDLE-approved Live Scan fingerprint background check required by the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). APD oversees services for Floridians with developmental disabilities — including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Down syndrome — primarily through the iBudget Florida waiver program and related APD-funded programs.

Like other Florida state agencies, APD requires a Level 2 background check under §435.04, Florida Statutes. A Level 2 check is fingerprint-based and searches both Florida (FDLE) and FBI national criminal history records. It is more thorough than a name-based Level 1 check and cannot be falsified by an alias or alternate identity.

Sky Bright LiveScan is an FDLE-registered Live Scan provider in Miami Lakes, FL. We capture fingerprints digitally and transmit them electronically to FDLE the same day. APD fingerprinting is $90.

Who Needs APD Fingerprinting?

APD fingerprinting is required for anyone who has direct contact with APD-funded clients at an APD-certified provider. This includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy staff, group home workers, supported living coaches, and all other direct service roles. The following categories commonly require APD fingerprinting — however, confirm your specific requirement with your employer or APD provider agency:

• Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) at APD-certified ABA therapy practices
• Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) providing direct or supervisory services to APD clients
• Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) at APD providers
• Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at APD group homes and supported living programs
• APD Support Coordinators
• Adult Day Training (ADT) center staff
• Respite care providers serving APD-funded clients
• Family care home operators and staff
• Waiver support service providers

iBudget Waiver and APD Funding Requirements

The iBudget Florida waiver is the primary mechanism through which APD funds services for eligible Floridians with developmental disabilities. Under iBudget, clients direct their own care budget and choose from a network of APD-certified providers. All staff at those certified providers — including ABA therapy agencies, group homes, supported living organizations, and adult day training centers — must pass a Level 2 APD background check before working with iBudget-funded clients.

ABA therapy is one of the services commonly funded through the iBudget waiver for clients with autism spectrum disorder. Because RBTs and BCBAs provide direct therapy or clinical supervision to these clients, they are subject to the same APD background check requirements as other APD-funded service workers.

APD also operates programs outside iBudget, including the Family Care Council and other community-based services. Requirements for non-iBudget APD programs vary — confirm with your APD provider agency which programs apply to your specific role.

APD ORI Numbers

ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) numbers are unique codes that route your fingerprint submission to the correct state agency. APD uses specific ORI codes for its background check submissions. The most commonly used APD ORI codes are listed below — however, these are provided for reference only. Always verify the correct ORI with your employer or APD provider agency before your appointment. Using the wrong ORI can delay or invalidate your clearance.

• EAPDGN10Z — APD general disability services and iBudget waiver programs (most common for ABA providers and direct service workers)
• EAPDFC20Z — APD family care homes and residential programs

How to Get Fingerprinted for APD

Getting fingerprinted for APD at Sky Bright LiveScan is straightforward. Walk-ins are welcome at our Miami Lakes location, Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm. Most appointments take approximately 10–15 minutes.

Steps: (1) Confirm your ORI number with your employer or APD provider agency before your visit. (2) Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. (3) Bring payment — APD fingerprinting is $90. Call (786) 322-3109 to confirm current pricing before your visit. (4) Visit our office at 5901 NW 151 St Ste 206, Miami Lakes, FL 33014.

After your fingerprints are captured, they are transmitted electronically to FDLE the same day. You will receive a Transaction Control Number (TCN) that you can use to track your submission status.

What to Bring

You must bring: (1) A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — Florida driver's license, Florida state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). (2) Your ORI number, provided by your employer or APD provider agency. (3) Payment — we accept cash, credit/debit card, and money order.

Without a valid ORI number, we cannot submit your fingerprints to the correct agency. If your employer has not yet provided your ORI, contact their HR or compliance team before scheduling your appointment.

Processing Times

APD background check results are commonly reported within approximately 3–7 business days after Live Scan fingerprinting, based on typical applicant feedback. Processing times vary by case, workload, and complexity and are not guaranteed.

You can track your FDLE submission status using the TCN number provided at your appointment at: fdle.state.fl.us/TCN-Status. For clearance status specific to your APD employer, contact your APD provider agency or APD directly.

Most APD-certified providers require clearance before an employee can begin working directly with APD-funded clients. Do not assume you can begin work while your clearance is pending without first confirming your employer's policy.

Common Mistakes

The following mistakes are frequently reported by RBTs, BCBAs, and other ABA/disability service workers going through the APD fingerprinting process:

• Using the wrong ORI number — APD has multiple ORI codes for different program types. Using the general waiver ORI (EAPDGN10Z) when your employer requires a different code (or vice versa) can delay your clearance. Always confirm with your employer before your appointment.
• Not confirming whether clearance transfers between APD employers — If you already have an active APD clearance from a prior APD-certified employer, your new employer may be able to verify it without requiring new fingerprints. Some employers, however, require fresh submissions. Confirm your clearance status with your new employer before assuming it transfers automatically.
• Waiting too long before your start date — APD background check processing commonly takes 3–7 business days, based on typical applicant feedback. Starting the process early gives your employer time to verify clearance before your first day of direct client contact.
• Bringing an expired or non-government-issued ID — Your photo ID must be current and government-issued. An expired license, a school ID, or an employee badge will not be accepted for Live Scan fingerprinting.
• Confusing APD fingerprinting with AHCA fingerprinting — APD and AHCA are separate agencies with separate ORI numbers. Workers at some facilities may need both, but they are independent submissions. An AHCA clearance does not satisfy APD requirements.