When you’re applying for a new job or seeking a promotion in the workplace, you’ll find yourself undergoing pre-employment background checks with your employer. Employees must satisfy this requirement to clear them of any criminal record, ensuring the company is hiring trustworthy and reliable individuals.
What are the latest updates about background check laws in Florida? Find out more in the Ultimate Employers’ Guide here.
A Florida background check for employment is a process that employers use to investigate the personal, educational, and professional history of potential hires. These pre-employment background checks typically cover:
If any applicants have criminal records, the employer's background check may include information such as charging details, the date the case was filed, case disposition, and disposition date. This data also constitutes the level of the offense and sentencing information. Generally, these records will show arrests, convictions, and pending charges.
Undoubtedly, some of your applications have requested character references. This is the extended version of them. Employment verification ensures applicants accurately represent job titles, tenure, and responsibilities, confirming their qualifications and alignment with role expectations.
On the other hand, the document confirms diplomas, degrees, and attendance at institutions, validating the candidate's academic qualifications for the position.
Do you want to showcase your expertise by presenting a professional license to your employer? They must verify the license’s authenticity first.
Professional license checks assess validity, issuance dates, and disciplinary actions, ensuring compliance with industry requirements for specialized roles.
There are four primary reasons why employers run pre-employment background checks.
Don’t feel bad if you are asked to undergo a background check, as the information is necessary for your safety and the entire workplace. These checks help identify applicants with a history of risk behaviors and criminal convictions that can be threats to others at work.
Background checks are not just to promote safety. Employers screen applicants before making a formal job offer to ensure both sides – the employer and the applicant – meet the legal requirements.
An employer might be liable for negligent hiring and potential harm to others if they fail background checks. Conducting in-depth background checks helps employers screen unqualified applicants, thus reducing their liability risks.
The behavior and actions of a company’s employees reflect the company’s image in front of the general public. Background checks ensure the company hires individuals who won’t just work productively but can also maintain their brand’s reputation.
In Florida, the scope of background checks typically depends on the type of screening. For criminal records, checks usually go back seven years, adhering to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines.
However, specific roles, such as positions in healthcare or education, may require checks extending further due to state regulations. Additionally, there’s no time limit for convictions, and employers may access complete criminal histories if legally justified for the role.
These are checks exclusive to the state only and are named based alone. The employer will dive into the applicant’s employment, state, and local criminal history if there are any. They may also check whether the applicant is on the national sex offender registry. Level 1 background checks also encompass credit checks in some instances.
Then, there are Level 2 checks that require fingerprinting and a comprehensive FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) background check. Applicants who show prohibited offenses on their record will be screened out.
In Florida, a third-level background check does not exist. However, some employers may use this phrase to refer to an FDLE background check, including state and national criminal history records.
Learn about the different Florida background check laws and those at the federal level.
There are two possible ways to remove bad background checks in the Sunshine State effectively:
Employers sometimes opt for a DIY approach to reduce pre-employment background check costs. However, while they can hinge on their benefits, this way is time-consuming, and there are more risks of errors. Furthermore, inaccuracies may also violate the FCRA.
Therefore, to ensure every step of the process runs smoothly, partnering with a third-party background check provider is highly recommended. Working with a trusted provider like Erase The Case ensures accurate, FCRA-compliant reports. These companies leverage advanced research tools to deliver swift and comprehensive results tailored to your hiring needs.
How Much Does a Florida Background Check for Employment Cost?
Florida background checks typically cost around $24, but additional fees may apply for specific screenings.
How Long Do Background Checks Take in Florida?
Background checks in Florida usually take one to three business days, but complex checks may take longer.
Do Expunge Records Show Up on Fingerprint Background Checks?
Expunged records do not appear on fingerprint background checks unless required by specific legal exceptions.
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