Background Screening Out-of-State/International Providers

The implementation of the Clearinghouse has directly impacted the business process and requirements for Livescan Vendor and Service Providers of the Clearinghouse. Livescan service locations must have the ability to communicate electronically with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and provide a photograph of the applicant taken at the time the fingerprints are submitted. (s. 435.04(1)(e) and s. 435.12(2)(a)(5), Florida Statutes).

Capturing your fingerprints using the livescan method requires a livescan device and is done in person. In order to have your fingerprints submitted using the livescan method, you will need to select a service provider from the “Livescan” list. These providers have equipment outside of Florida that is registered with FDLE – this means they can electronically submit your fingerprints to Florida from out of state. Please refer to the “Services” column to verify where each provider is located.

Please note, you must notify your livescan service provider that you will need to have your photograph taken and submitted along with your fingerprints.

If you are unable to locate an approved service provider near you on the “Livescan” list, you may use the Hard Card Scanning method. Capturing your fingerprints using hard cards can be done at a local police station or fingerprinting facility. Completed hard cards must be mailed to an approved provider who can then convert them to electronic format. Do not mail the cards to the Department of Health directly. Please refer to the “Hard Card Scanning” list for providers who can convert hard cards. The provider you choose will submit your fingerprints electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Fingerprint hard cards can be downloaded and printed from the Federal Bureau of Investigation website here. They can also be requested from the service provider or from the Background Screening Unit at MQA.BackgroundScreen@flhealth.gov.

Please note, service providers using the hard card method may not be able to submit a photograph at the time of screening. This means that your prints may not be entered into Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse to be shared among other specified agencies that require a state and national fingerprint-based criminal history check. In the event that you use the hard card scanning method to submit your fingerprints, and then apply to volunteer, be employed, be licensed, or enter into a contract with another agency within the Clearinghouse, your background screening results will not be shared and you may have to complete another background check with that agency.