Foster Parent Fingerprinting in Florida: What You Need to Know

Why Foster Parents Need Fingerprinting

Florida law requires Level 2 background screening for all prospective foster parents as part of the foster home licensing process administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or its contracted Community-Based Care (CBC) organizations.

The Level 2 fingerprint check searches both FDLE and FBI national criminal records to verify that prospective foster parents do not have disqualifying criminal histories. This requirement protects children placed in foster care.

Who Must Be Fingerprinted in the Household

Florida law generally requires fingerprinting for all household members age 12 and older in a prospective foster home, not just the primary applicant. This may include spouses or partners, adult children living in the home, and other adult household members.

The specific age threshold and household member requirements may be subject to change. Confirm the current requirements with your DCF licensing worker or CBC case manager.

The DCF Foster Care Licensing Process

Fingerprinting is one component of the larger DCF foster care licensing process, which also includes a home study, training requirements, references, and other documentation. Fingerprinting must be completed before DCF can issue a foster care license.

Your DCF licensing worker or CBC case manager will provide you with the correct ORI number and instructions for fingerprinting. Do not schedule fingerprinting until you have your ORI number.

What to Bring

Bring: (1) Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID for each person being fingerprinted. (2) Your ORI number, provided by your DCF licensing worker. (3) Payment — DCF fingerprinting is currently priced at $90 per person. Call (786) 322-3109 to confirm current pricing.