Level 2 Background Check in Florida: What It Is and Who Needs It
Published: 2026-06-02 · Last verified: 2026-06-02
Quick Answer
A Florida Level 2 background check is a fingerprint-based criminal history check that searches both FDLE (Florida) and FBI (national) criminal records. It is required by law for many positions involving children, elderly adults, vulnerable populations, and other positions of trust or responsibility. It is more comprehensive than a Level 1 name-based check.
In This Article
- 1.What is a Level 2 Background Check?
- 2.Level 2 vs Level 1
- 3.Who Needs a Level 2 Background Check in Florida?
- 4.What Level 2 Searches
- 5.The Level 2 Screening Process
- 6.Cost and Timing
- 7.Disclaimer
What is a Level 2 Background Check?
A Florida Level 2 background check is a fingerprint-based criminal history screening authorized under Florida Statute §435.04. It uses FDLE Live Scan fingerprinting to search both Florida state criminal records and national FBI criminal records for a specified individual.
Because Level 2 uses biometric fingerprint data rather than a name and date of birth, it is more accurate and harder to falsify. It is required for most positions of trust or responsibility involving access to children, elderly adults, and vulnerable populations in Florida.
Level 2 vs Level 1
A Level 1 background check is a name-based search of Florida records only. It is less comprehensive and does not require fingerprinting. A Level 2 check uses fingerprints to search both Florida and national FBI records, making it more thorough.
Most Florida-regulated professional licenses, healthcare positions, and educational roles require a Level 2 check. Level 1 is more commonly used for positions with lower risk or limited client contact. If you are unsure which level you need, confirm with your employer or licensing board.
Who Needs a Level 2 Background Check in Florida?
Level 2 screening is required for a wide range of regulated positions in Florida, including:
- AHCA-regulated healthcare workers (CNAs, HHAs, ALF staff, nurses at regulated facilities)
- DCF-regulated childcare workers and foster parents
- DOE-regulated K-12 teachers and school staff
- APD-certified disability services workers
- DBPR-licensed professionals (real estate agents, contractors, CAMs, and others)
- DOEA elder care workers
- FLHSMV-regulated transportation professionals (in some cases)
- Many other state-regulated positions under Chapter 435, Florida Statutes
The Level 2 Screening Process
The Level 2 screening process in Florida uses FDLE-registered Live Scan fingerprinting. Your fingerprints are captured digitally and transmitted electronically to FDLE, which searches state and national records and forwards results to the requesting agency.
Sky Bright LiveScan in Miami Lakes is FDLE-registered and processes Level 2 fingerprinting for all Florida agencies. Walk-ins welcome Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm.
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Walk-ins welcome · Miami Lakes · Mon–Fri 10am–5pm · Bilingual service
Sky Bright LiveScan helps with fingerprint capture and submission. We do not make hiring, licensing, eligibility, or background check approval decisions. Requirements, processing times, and fees are subject to change — always verify current requirements with your employer, licensing board, or requesting agency before scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
- Florida Statute §435.04 — Level 2 Screening Standards — leg.state.fl.us
- FDLE Background Screening Program — fdle.state.fl.us
Last verified: 2026-06-02. Content is subject to change — always verify current requirements with the relevant agency.
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