What Jobs In Florida Require Fingerprinting And How Do I Get One
If you are looking for a job in Florida, knowing what jobs require fingerprinting is essential. In the state of Florida, certain occupations require applicants to submit fingerprints to be used for a background check. These typically include positions such as security guards, childcare workers, teachers, and health care professionals.
Are you considering a job in Florida that requires fingerprinting? You’re not alone. A wide variety of industries and positions in the Sunshine State require employees to be fingerprinted. A comprehensive guide on jobs in Florida that require fingerprinting and how to get it can help you understand the process and get you on your way to your dream job.
Whether you’re looking for a position in the medical field, education, law enforcement, or another industry, this guide will provide you with the information you need. We’ll break down the different types of jobs that require fingerprinting in Florida, the process for getting fingerprinted, and what to expect after the process is complete.
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to your next job in Florida.
What Types Of Jobs Require Fingerprinting In Florida?
The fair credit reporting act and the national criminal history database require fingerprints for certain positions. In the state of Florida, a wide variety of jobs require fingerprinting.
The state regulates most of the jobs that require fingerprinting in Florida. These include:
Education
Teachers, administrators, and other school employees must be fingerprinted. The applicant’s employment history and other records are checked for criminal history.
Law Enforcement
Police officers, corrections, and other law enforcement personnel must be fingerprinted. A national record check must be conducted to ensure the applicant has no criminal history.
Medical
Individuals working as health care practitioners, such as nurses, pharmacists, and EMTs, must be fingerprinted. Employment discrimination typically applies to certain crimes, so this is done to ensure the safety of patients.
Childcare Workers
Childcare workers must be fingerprinted. A criminal history background check should be of all childcare employees to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in their care.
Public Service
Individuals in public service positions, such as utility workers, must be fingerprinted. For example, a driver’s record check must be conducted to ensure the applicant has no violations or other issues that could interfere with their job.
Private Security
Private security officers must be fingerprinted. A warrant files check also conducted to ensure the applicant has no criminal history records.
Private Investigation
Private investigators must be fingerprinted. This is to run a criminal history record check. A criminal history report, also known as a background check, is required for certain positions.
The Requirements For Getting Fingerprinted
Pre-employment background checks are becoming increasingly common in the job market. Fingerprinting can be necessary as part of the pre-employment background check process for specific jobs in Florida.
What Type Of Fingerprint Card
Getting fingerprints usually begins with an employer providing a form that includes instructions on what type of fingerprint card they will accept.
Once this form is filled out, you can go to any certified accepting agency in your area approved by the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE). The agency will then take your prints and submit them to the DLE, who will use them to conduct a criminal history search.
Provide Valid Identification And Proof Of Address
When getting fingerprinted, you will usually be asked to provide valid identification and proof of address. All of the information from this form will be used to verify your identity and ensure that only accurate information is reported.
Background Checks
Once the fingerprints are taken, a background check is conducted, which includes a search for any criminal records associated with your name and date of birth. Depending on what type of job you’re applying for, the background check may include previous employment verification or drug testing.
Fingerprints can also be used in other situations, such as obtaining a visa or residency permit. If you know that you need to get fingerprinted for any reason, it is essential to ensure that the agency taking your prints is certified by the DLE.
The Process Of Fingerprinting
Reporting arrest records or convictions to the DLE is a significant part of ensuring that only qualified and safe people are employed in positions that involve public safety.
Employers need to keep accurate records of employee background checks, and fingerprinting is one way of doing this.
Here is what to expect when going through the process of getting fingerprinted:
Complete An Application
Fingerprinting is part of the hiring process, and some deny employment without it. You will likely need to complete an application for the job.
The first step is to complete an application. This application will ask various questions, including your personal and professional history.
Attend An Interview
Interviews are usually conducted in person or over the phone. You will be asked various questions about your history and what type of job you are applying for.
You will meet with an agent during the interview to discuss the application and your history.
Schedule A Fingerprinting Appointment
Once the interview is completed, you will then be able to schedule a fingerprint appointment. The appointment can be at an approved agency or a local law enforcement office.
In addition, certain agencies may require additional forms or paperwork to be filled out. You will also have to select a date and location to get fingerprinted.
Florida Level 2 Out-of-State Applicant Card Scan – Complete Packet
At 1st Choice, our Florida Level 2 Complete Packet includes everything you need to efficiently and quickly fulfill your Florida Livescan fingerprint requirements.
It contains all the necessary documents, including:
- Priority ail to you & prepaid return postage back to us
- Instruction packet & forms
- Instruction packet and forms
- Three FD258 Fingerprint cards
- Livescan submission to the state of Florida
All you need to do is get your fingerprints taken locally and send the entire packet back to us in the prepaid return envelope.
We process your fingerprints the same day we receive them and email you a receipt for your records that can be included in your license packet.
Get Results
You can expect results from your fingerprinting very soon after your appointment. The local criminal history and arrest records will be checked, and a final report will be sent to the employer or licensing agency.
What Happens After You Get Fingerprinted?
After you get fingerprinted, you can expect to wait anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks to receive your results. You’ll need to wait for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to process your results.
The FDLE will check your results against Florida’s criminal database to ensure no convictions on your record. If there are no convictions, you will be approved for your job. However, if there are any convictions in your history, you may be denied.
Even if you are denied, you can take steps to appeal the decision and get approved. You’ll first want to talk to the hiring manager to find out why you were denied. After that, you can submit an appeal to the FDLE.
Types Of Fingerprint Cards
There are three types of fingerprint cards that you can use during your fingerprinting appointment: standard cards, electronic cards, or digital cards. Standard cards are the type most often used, but electronic and digital cards are also growing in popularity.
Standard fingerprint cards are paper cards printed from a computer. Electronic cards and digital cards are computer-generated images of the fingerprint. These are most often used for electronic submissions.
There are a few advantages to using electronic or digital cards. For example, electronic cards are easier to read and are less prone to errors. Digital cards are also a good option for individuals with disabilities, which makes it difficult to use standard cards.
How To Prepare For Fingerprinting
Before you get fingerprinted, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. First and foremost, ensure you have all the necessary documents.
These include your identification, proof of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Eating a light meal before your appointment is also a good idea. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and protein.
Sugary and protein-rich foods can leave residue on your fingerprints, making it harder to get a clear print. It is also a good idea to take a few deep breaths before you get fingerprinted.
Being nervous can make it harder to get a clear print. This can result in a card being rejected or processing longer than usual.
Tips For Successful Fingerprinting
Now that you know what to expect, here are a few tips for successful fingerprinting. First, show up a little early for your appointment.
This will allow you time to complete the necessary paperwork and relax before the appointment begins. Next, make sure you have clean, dry hands. If your hands are wet or you have lotion or another substance, it can be harder to get a clean print.
Another tip is to focus on the process. Stay calm, breathe, and focus on getting a clean print.
The National Sex Offender Registry and Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) are two programs that require fingerprinting. Many positions in law enforcement, education, and healthcare also require fingerprints for a background check.
Conclusion
If you’re not yet employed and are looking for a job in Florida, it’s a good idea to know which jobs require fingerprinting. Before you get fingerprinted, make sure you have all the necessary documents.
Since the results can take a few weeks, it’s also a good idea to schedule your appointment for a time when you don’t have any important events coming up.
Getting fingerprinted is a necessary part of many jobs in Florida, and knowing what you need to be prepared for the process is essential.
Be sure to check with your employer or a DLE-certified agency for more information about the types of fingerprints required for various positions. With 1st Choice, you can get your print results easily and efficiently to move forward with your job application.