How Much Does a Background Check Cost in Florida? (2024 Updated)

David Weisselberger | July 13, 2024

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Background checking is a crucial procedure for employers to ensure that their applicants are qualified and reliable. It uncovers a person’s education and employment background, professional licenses, all the way to their criminal records. 

But first, you must know how much a background check will cost in Florida this year. As we unravel this question, let's explore the complex terrain of background checking fees and costs in 2024 so as for you to consider carefully before making a decision.

Background Check Costs and Fees in 2024

Types of Background CheckCost
Federal Background Check $24
Employee Background Check $5-$109
Level 2 Background Check Cost$70-$100

How Much Does a Background Check Cost in Florida?

  • Federal background checks from FDLE: The background check costs $24. You can pay for each search by debit or credit card. And take note that you have to provide a valid ORI to search. Depending on the state legislation, state agency, or legal agency, different searches vary in costs.
  • Employee background check: the cost of a background check can vary from $10 to $100 per candidate, since most businesses use a web-based service that provide them a view of an employee's past. That includes data from credit checks, drug testing, criminal records, education verification, prior employment history, and more.
  • Level 2 background checks: ranges from $70 to $100. In Florida, a level 2 background check entails requesting an FBI investigation and conducting a fingerprint-based check via the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which looks up both state and federal criminal records. 

Overall, the background check cost in Florida varies depending on the state and the background checker service you work with. 

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Why Employers Conduct Background Checks?

For the following reasons, Florida companies frequently run background checks on potential hires:

  • Make sure everyone is safe at work: Pre-employment background checks assist in identifying candidates who may pose a risk to others' safety at work due to past dangerous behavior or criminal convictions.
  • Continue to adhere to regulations: Pre-employment background checks may be carried out by businesses in regulated sectors in order to comply with regulatory regulations.
  • Lower the Risk of Liability: Employers may lower their liability risks and pick out unqualified candidates by running thorough background checks. 
  • Avoid Reputational Damage: Employers run background checks on potential hires in part to make sure the person can uphold the reputation of their company.

How Long Does a Background Check Take in Florida?

In Florida, a background check typically takes two to five business days to finish. 

However, different background checks take different amounts of time to do in Florida.

Below is a list of the approximate times for each type of background check:

  • Background checks on employment: one to five business days
  • Background checks for tenants: 1-3 business days
  • Background checks for crimes: 1-3 business days
  • Credit and financial checks: immediate to one to two working days
  • Background checks for professional licenses: 1-4 weeks

What Is The Cheapest Background Check?

The cheapest cost of a background check is $10 from the Orlando Police Department. On the other hand, Miami background checks cost:

  • Police reports: 15 cents per single-sided page; 20 cents per double-sided page
  • Certified Copies: $1 
  • Police Clearance Letters: $5 

That shows that the cost for background checking in every state varies. Although there are free background-checking websites online, it's best if you consider government websites that follow the Fair Credit Report Act (FCRA).

Removing Your Bad Background Check in Florida

Those who wish to have their records expunged must submit a petition by Florida Statute section 943.0585,(2022), and they may only do it once in their lifetime. 

Also, keep in mind that candidates may be able to submit a claim under the FCRA if employers or background check service providers disregard these criteria.

Removing your bad background check in Florida involves the following:

Step 1: Gather important documents

Gather all the information you can on your criminal history, such as court records, arrest records, and any other relevant documentation.

Step 2: Establishing Eligibility

According to Florida law, there are requirements for qualifying to have a criminal record sealed or expunged.

Make a note of any charges that Florida law permits to be dropped or expunged. Check your eligibility.

Step 3: File a Petition for Sealing or Expungement

Get the necessary petition forms from the website of the relevant court or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Complete the petition forms completely and precisely. In the county where the charges were brought, submit the completed petition to the relevant court. 

Please verify with the court for precise requirements since there could be a filing cost.

Step 4: Fingerprinting and Background Verification

To get your fingerprints taken, go to a law enforcement office or an authorized fingerprinting service provider. A thorough background investigation will be carried out by the FDLE to ascertain your eligibility for sealing or expungement. This investigation can take a few weeks.

Step 5: Court Hearing

You could be compelled to appear in court to submit your case for sealing or expungement, depending on the specifics and the judge's discretion.

Step 6: Wait for the Final Verdict

The court will determine whether to seal or expunge your criminal record after examining your petition and your circumstances. 

Your criminal record will either be sealed or expunged if the court grants your petition. Notify law enforcement and other relevant authorities and organizations of the sealing or expunging of your record so that they update their records by the court's ruling.

Why Do Employers Need to Follow FCRA Guidelines?

FCRA regulations are subject to serious repercussions for violations. Employers who use third parties to perform background checks are required. Employers suffer financial losses as a result of FCRA lawsuits because of the associated costs, lost productivity, reputational harm, settlements, and disruptions to their day-to-day operations.

In addition to avoiding liability, conducting FCRA-compliant background checks also helps to create a favorable impression of the company in the eyes of potential hires or employees.

You can show your commitment to upholding applicants' rights, privacy, and dignity by putting in place an FCRA-compliant screening procedure.

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David Weisselberger
Author | Founder
"David Weisselberger is the founder of Erase The Case. He completed his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Florida, & also his Juris Doctor from UM School of Law. Afterwards, He has been working as a former Miami-Dade County Assistant Public Defender. Also, as a solo lawyer and former associate at South Florida’s honored Saban & Solomon Law Firm. He has learned firsthand the effects people face from having a public criminal arrest record mark their lives. Therefore, David has always been working hard to help people get rid of haunting crimnal past and have a second chance in life"

Trusted process. Proven results.

We have provided more expungements than any other law firm in the state of Florida, but don't just take our word for it.  
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    "My experience with this law firm was exceptional. After submitting the required documents, they took care of everything with ease, professionalism, and expediency. I was kept informed throughout the process. In only 3 months, all record of my case was erased from my background check. I used the "expunge now, pay later" option, which let me pay the fee over time with Affirm."
    Lee County
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    "I'm beyond happy right now, I contacted David about my case few months ago and right away he was able to help me , the whole process was very easy they kept me updated every step now my case is sealed.very professional I recommend this firm, if I can give more than 5 stars I would. "
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