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Can I choose where to get Fingerprinted?

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:27:32 GMT

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

Back-to-School Fingerprinting Guide for Florida Teachers, School Staff & Volunteers

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 01:34:10 GMT

2026 Pinellas County School District

Start the School Year with Confidence

Whether you're a new teacher, substitute, school volunteer, coach, or support staff member, completing your fingerprinting requirement is often one of the last steps before you can begin working on campus.

Thumbs Up Fingerprints proudly serves educators and is an Approved Vendor with Pinellas County Schools.

What Is FDLE Level 2 Fingerprinting?

FDLE Level 2 fingerprinting is an electronic fingerprint submission processed through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Depending on the position, fingerprints may also be checked through the FBI.

Who Needs Fingerprinting?

· Classroom Teachers

· Substitute Teachers

· Teacher Assistants

· School Administrators

· Guidance Counselors

· School Nurses

· Coaches

· Athletic Staff

· Bus Drivers

· Cafeteria Employees

· Custodial Staff

· Classroom Volunteers

· Chaperones

· Mentors

· Contractors Working on School Campuses

Why Schedule Early?

· August and September are our busiest months.

· Faster appointment availability

· More scheduling flexibility

· Fewer onboarding delays

· More time for results delivery

Thumbs Up Checklist

· Government-issued photo ID

· ORI Number (if provided)

· Employer paperwork

· Appointment confirmation

· Payment method

Thumbs Up Tip

Double-check your ORI number before your appointment. An incorrect ORI number can delay your background screening.

Mobile Fingerprinting for Schools

On-site fingerprinting for schools, charter schools, daycares, volunteer organizations, athletic departments, and teacher orientation events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does fingerprinting take?

Most appointments take approximately 10–15 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring a government-issued photo ID, ORI number if applicable, and employer paperwork.

Do school volunteers need fingerprinting?

Many districts require volunteers who work with students to complete a background screening.

Can schools schedule on-site fingerprinting?

Yes, mobile fingerprinting is available.

What happens if I have the wrong ORI number?

Your results may be delayed because they could be sent to the wrong agency.

Request Your Appointment

Fast. Friendly. Accurate.

Phone: 727-220-0442
Email: hello@thumbsupfingerprints.com
Website: thumbsupfingerprints.com

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Related Thumbs Up Guides

· What Is an ORI Number?

Coming Soon...

· How Long Does FDLE Fingerprinting Take?

· FDLE Level 2 Fingerprinting for Florida Nurses

· Mobile Fingerprinting for Assisted Living Facilities

Fast. Friendly. Accurate.

What Is An ORI Number?

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 01:31:16 GMT

What Is an ORI Number?

An ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) Number is a unique code that tells the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) where to send your fingerprint results after your electronic fingerprint appointment. Using the correct ORI Number helps ensure your results reach the requesting agency quickly and accurately.

Quick Answer

Always obtain your ORI Number directly from the employer, licensing board, school district, government agency, or organization requesting your fingerprint-based background check.

Why Is an ORI Number Important?

Think of an ORI Number as the mailing address for your fingerprint results. Without the correct ORI Number, your background check could be delayed or sent to the wrong agency.

Who Needs an ORI Number?

· Healthcare professionals

· Teachers and school staff

· School volunteers

· Child care employees

· Government employees

· Professional license applicants

· Real estate and insurance applicants

· Security professionals

Where Do I Get My ORI Number?

Your requesting organization provides your ORI Number. Check your application instructions, hiring paperwork, licensing documents, or contact the agency directly.

Common Mistakes

· Using an ORI Number from a previous employer

· Guessing the ORI Number

· Using someone else's ORI Number

· Assuming all agencies use the same ORI Number

Florida ORI Number FAQs

What is an ORI Number in Florida?

It is the code that tells FDLE where to send your fingerprint results.

Who gives me my ORI Number?

Your employer, licensing board, school district, or requesting agency.

Can I use an old ORI Number?

Usually no. Use the ORI Number provided for your current application.

What happens if I use the wrong ORI Number?

Your fingerprint results may be delayed or sent to the wrong agency.

Can a fingerprinting company look up my ORI Number?

No. Only the requesting organization can provide the correct ORI Number.

Does every employer have a different ORI Number?

Many do. Some statewide licensing programs share ORIs, while employers and school districts often have their own.

Is an ORI Number required for FDLE fingerprinting?

If the requesting agency requires electronic fingerprint submission through FDLE, yes.

Where can I find my ORI Number?

Review your application paperwork or contact the organization requesting your background check.

Can I change my ORI Number after fingerprinting?

In many cases no, which is why verifying it before your appointment is important.

Do school volunteers need an ORI Number?

Many Florida school districts require one for volunteer background screening.

Do nurses need an ORI Number?

Yes, when applying through programs that require FDLE fingerprinting.

How long does fingerprinting take?

Most appointments take only a few minutes.

Schedule Your Appointment

Still have questions? If you're unsure which ORI Number you need, contact the organization requesting your background check before your appointment. Once you have your ORI Number, Thumbs Up Fingerprints can quickly and securely submit your fingerprints electronically to FDLE.

Phone: 727-220-0442
Email: hello@thumbsupfingerprints.com
Locations: Clearwater & Gulfport

Fast. Friendly. Accurate.