Can I Choose Where to Get Fingerprinted?
Florida Agency Directory
Which Florida agencies generally allow applicants to choose their own FDLE-approved Livescan provider?
One of the most common questions applicants ask is: Can I choose where I get fingerprinted? For many Florida licensing and
screening programs, applicants can select an FDLE-approved Livescan provider that meets the requesting agency's submission
requirements. Other programs use a designated vendor, employer-selected provider, district process, or agency-specific
procedure.
YES - generally applicant choice
VARIES - verify employer/program rules
DESIGNATED PROCESS - follow agency instructions
Professional Licensing Agencies
(DBPR) Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation-YES
Contractors, real estate professionals, community association managers and other regulated professions
Applicants should follow the specific board or license instructions and use a provider capable of submitting the required transaction.
Florida Department of Health / Medical Quality Assurance (MQA)-YES
Nurses and other regulated healthcare professionals
Generally Requirements can differ by profession or application type. Confirm the board's current instructions before fingerprinting.
Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) - Insurance Licensing- DESIGNATED PROCESS-Check w your agency
Insurance agents, adjusters and certain other DFS-regulated applicants
*DFS programs may require applicants to use the Department's designated fingerprinting process.
Follow the current DFS instructions rather than assuming any provider can submit.
Healthcare & Caregiving Screening
(AHCA) Agency for Health Care Administration-YES
Healthcare facilities, providers and employees subject to background screening
*Many screenings are handled through the Clearinghouse. The provider must support the required Clearinghouse transaction.
(DCF) Department of Children and Families-YES
Childcare and human-service programs subject to background screening
Many programs participate in the Clearinghouse. *Note: Program-specific requirements still apply.
(APD) Agency for Persons with Disabilities-YES
Direct-care providers and other covered personnel
Many screenings use the Clearinghouse. Verify the applicant's program and screening instructions.
Department of Elder Affairs-YES
Covered elder-care programs and personnel
Generally Many screenings are coordinated through the Clearinghouse.
Medicaid-related provider screening-YES
Providers and personnel when fingerprint screening is required
* Follow the specific enrollment or employer instructions; not every Medicaid-related screening follows an identical workflow.
Nursing Homes / Assisted Living/ Home Health / Hospice-YES
Many facilities use Clearinghouse screening. Employer instructions should be confirmed before scheduling.
Hospitals and private healthcare employers Employment applicants VARIES
The employer may specify its own process or vendor even when state screening requirements also apply.
Education
Florida Department of Education/Educator Certification-YES
*Note approved vendors give discounts to staff/volunteers
Teacher certification applicants and other covered education applicants
Follow the current certification fingerprinting instructions for the applicant's pathway.
Public School District Employees or Teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators and support staff-VARIES
Individual districts can establish their own fingerprinting procedures or contracted locations.
School Volunteers Volunteers, mentors and chaperones-VARIES
Requirements differ by district, school and volunteer role.
Charter Schools Employees and volunteers- VARIES
The school or governing organization may establish the required process.
Colleges and Universities- VARIES
Faculty, staff and other applicants
Institution-specific hiring or program requirements may apply.
Public Safety & Government
Firefighter Certification / Fire Service Employment-YES
Firefighter applicants & employees
Certification and employer requirements can differ. Confirm the requesting agency's current instructions.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)-YES
EMTs, paramedics & related applicants
Requirements depend on whether the screening is for state certification, employment, or another purpose.
Sheriff's Offices- VARIES
Employment applicants
Many sheriff's offices use an agency-controlled hiring and fingerprint process.
Police Departments -VARIES
Employment applicants
Agency-specific hiring procedures commonly apply.
Corrections /Correctional officers-VARIES
Correctional officers & other personnel
Follow the hiring agency's fingerprint instructions.
County and Municipal Government Employees- VARIES
Local government employment applicants
The employer determines the required screening workflow.
Other Common Programs
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)-VARIES
Applicants for programs administered by FDACS, including certain licensing functions
*Follow the current instructions for the exact FDACS program. Do not assume all FDACS applications use the same fingerprint workflow.
Private Employers Employment background screening-VARIES
The employer or requesting agency determines whether Livescan is required and which submission process must be used.
What Does "Varies" Mean?
When this directory says Varies, the fingerprinting process may be determined by an employer, school district, sheriff's office,
police department, college, local government, or another organization rather than by one uniform statewide rule.
HELPFUL TIP
Before scheduling, ask:
(1) Does my agency allow me to choose an FDLE-approved Livescan provider?
(2) Does my employer or licensing program require a particular vendor, location, or submission process?
Important Disclaimer
This directory is an educational reference, not an agency authorization. Florida agency, employer, district, and licensing
requirements can change. Always verify the current fingerprinting instructions with the agency or organization requesting your
background check before scheduling. This directory intentionally does not list ORI numbers.
Thumbs Up Fingerprints
Florida Livescan & Fingerprinting Resource Guide
www.thumbsupfingerprints.com
727-220-0442
hello@thumbsupfingerprints.com
