Florida Criminal Background Check: FDLE Statewide Search
Search Florida criminal records from all 67 counties in one order. Best of all, our Florida criminal background check pulls directly from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
What the Florida Statewide Criminal Background Check Includes
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the state’s central criminal history repository. In addition, every Florida county reports fingerprinted arrests and court outcomes to it.
As a result, one FDLE search replaces dozens of separate county searches. Below is what each report returns.
Subject Identifiers
Name, date of birth, state ID, last four SSN digits, physical description, and reported addresses.
Arrest Details
Arrest date, arresting agency, offense date, statute number, charge level, and degree.
Court Dispositions
Uniform case number, filing date, prosecutor action, final disposition, and disposition date.
Sentencing Outcomes
Jail or prison terms, probation, fines, court costs, and license sanctions when reported.
How to Order a Florida FDLE Criminal Search
Ordering takes only a few minutes. Afterward, BCS Background Screening LLC handles the FDLE request and reviews the response.
- 1
Open a Free Account
First, sign up online and complete your FCRA end-user certification.
- 2
Get Applicant Consent
Next, collect a signed FCRA disclosure and authorization from the applicant.
- 3
Enter Identifiers
After that, submit the full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- 4
Review Your Report
Then view verified results in your secure dashboard, usually within 24 hours.
Florida Criminal Background Check Sample Report
Below is a formatted sample of a real-time Florida state criminal search. Every name, identifier, and case number is fictitious.
This record contains Florida information only. For an explanation of a charge or disposition, contact the agency that contributed the record.
Use this record only for the purpose requested, as defined by federal regulations and Florida law. Under Fla. Stat. § 119.071(5), FDLE releases only the last four SSN digits.
Sample report for illustration only. Derek Wayne Calloway is a fictitious person, all case data is AI generated.
Why a Florida Criminal Records Search May Return No Results
A clear FDLE report is good news. Even so, a name-based search cannot show every record. These are the most common reasons.
- A court sealed or expunged the record, so FDLE cannot release it publicly.
- An arresting agency never submitted fingerprints to FDLE.
- The offense happened in another state or in federal court.
- A juvenile offense remains confidential under Florida law.
- Identifiers entered on the order differ from those on the FDLE record.
For those reasons, pair this search with a county criminal court search for recent filings. Likewise, add a federal criminal search for federal crimes.
Florida Statewide vs. County vs. Nationwide Criminal Searches
In practice, each search type answers a different question. Use this table to build the right Florida background check package.
| Search | Source | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida FDLE Statewide | FDLE central repository | All 67 Florida counties | Broad Florida history in one order |
| County Criminal Court | County clerk records | One county per search | Newest filings and full case detail |
| Federal Criminal | U.S. District Courts | Federal crimes | Fraud, drug trafficking, and embezzlement |
| Nationwide Background Check | Multi-state database | National indicators | Finding out-of-state records to verify |
Using Florida Criminal Records for Employment
Florida criminal history is public record. Under Fla. Stat. § 943.053, FDLE releases it to private requesters for a fee. The FDLE Florida check costs $24 plus a $1 processing fee.
However, employers must still follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Specifically, you need a standalone disclosure and written authorization before you order.
Before rejecting an applicant, send a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report. The FTC employer guide explains each step.
Additionally, 15 U.S.C. § 1681c limits reports of non-conviction arrests to seven years. Convictions have no reporting time limit.
Some Florida jobs need more than a name search. Health care, child care, and school roles require fingerprint-based Level 2 screening. Learn more in our guide to Florida background check laws for employers.
Add-On Searches for Florida Background Checks
For fuller coverage, most Florida employers combine the FDLE search with one or more of these services.
County Criminal Court Search
Direct county court searches for the most current case details.
Federal Criminal Search
U.S. District Court records for federal offenses.
Nationwide Background Check
SSN trace, national criminal database, sex offender registry, and watchlists.
Motor Vehicle Records
Driving histories for delivery, trucking, sales, and CDL positions.
Florida Statewide Criminal Background Check FAQs
What does a Florida statewide criminal background check include?
It searches the FDLE central repository, which covers all 67 Florida counties. Therefore, results show felony and misdemeanor arrests, charges, court dispositions, and sentences.
Each report also lists identifiers such as name, date of birth, state ID, and physical description.
How much does a Florida FDLE criminal background check cost?
BCS Background Screening LLC charges $20 plus the $25 FDLE fee. The state fee combines FDLE’s $24 search charge and $1 processing fee.
You also pay nothing to open an account.
How long does a Florida criminal records search take?
Most Florida statewide searches return in 24 hours or less. You can track each order in your secure online account.
Why did my Florida criminal records search return no results?
Common reasons include sealed or expunged records, arrests without fingerprints, and out-of-state or federal cases. Confidential juvenile records also stay hidden.
For wider coverage, add county court, federal, and nationwide searches.
Are Florida criminal records public?
Yes. Florida’s public records law and Fla. Stat. § 943.053 let FDLE release criminal history for a fee. Sealed, expunged, and most juvenile records stay confidential.
Under Fla. Stat. § 119.071(5), FDLE releases only the last four SSN digits.
How far back does a Florida statewide criminal search go?
The FDLE record itself has no time limit. However, the FCRA bars employment reports from listing non-conviction arrests older than seven years.
By contrast, reports may list convictions regardless of age. The seven-year limit also lifts for jobs paying $75,000 or more.
Can Florida employers use an FDLE search for hiring?
Yes, when they follow the FCRA disclosure, authorization, and adverse action rules. In fact, many private employers use it as their core Florida search.
Still, health care, child care, and school jobs need fingerprint-based Level 2 screening under Chapter 435.
Run a Florida Criminal Background Check Today
Open a free account and order your first FDLE statewide search in minutes. Pay only $20 plus the $25 FDLE fee.
Disclaimer: BCS Background Screening LLC is not affiliated with FDLE. This page offers general information, not legal advice. Fees and laws may change, so confirm requirements before you act.