How to Pass a Level 2 Background Check in Florida: Complete Guide
Step-by-step guide to understanding and successfully completing a Level 2 background check in Florida, including common issues, solutions, and expert preparation tips for 2025.
High Success Rate
Over 85% of individuals pass Level 2 background checks on their first attempt when properly prepared. This guide will help you understand the process and maximize your chances of success.
Understanding Level 2 Background Checks
A Level 2 background check is the most comprehensive employment screening conducted in Florida. It's required for positions involving vulnerable populations, including healthcare, education, childcare, and eldercare.
What's Included
- • Florida criminal history (FDLE)
- • Federal criminal history (FBI)
- • Employment history verification
- • Professional license verification
- • Sex offender registry check
- • Excluded provider list check
Required For
- • Healthcare workers
- • School employees
- • Childcare workers
- • Elder care staff
- • Home health aides
- • Social service workers
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Review Your Criminal History
Before applying for any position requiring a Level 2 background check, obtain and review your own criminal history from both FDLE and FBI databases.
How to obtain: Visit the FDLE website or FBI's website to request your own criminal history record. This costs approximately $24 (FDLE) and $18 (FBI).
Gather Documentation
Collect all relevant documentation that might be needed during the background check process.
- • Court documents for any arrests or charges
- • Proof of completion for court-ordered programs
- • Employment history records
- • Educational transcripts and certifications
- • Character references
- • Rehabilitation or treatment records (if applicable)
Address Any Issues Proactively
If you discover issues in your background, address them before the employer-requested background check.
Common actions: Correct inaccurate information, obtain case disposition records, complete outstanding court requirements, or consult with an attorney.
Prepare for Fingerprinting
Schedule your LiveScan fingerprinting appointment at an authorized facility.
- • Use hand lotion 24 hours before appointment
- • Ensure hands are clean and dry
- • Bring valid government-issued photo ID
- • Bring employer authorization forms
- • Arrive 15 minutes early
What Can Cause You to Fail
Automatic Disqualifiers
- • Sexual offenses: Any conviction involving sexual misconduct
- • Child abuse: Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of children
- • Elder abuse: Abuse or neglect of elderly or vulnerable adults
- • Domestic violence: Convictions within the last 3 years
- • Drug trafficking: Distribution or trafficking convictions
- • Violent felonies: Murder, assault, robbery, etc.
Case-by-Case Review Required
- • Misdemeanor convictions: Reviewed for job relevance and timeframe
- • Non-violent felonies: Consider rehabilitation and time elapsed
- • Drug possession: Simple possession may be waiverable
- • Financial crimes: Theft, fraud, or embezzlement (position-dependent)
- • DUI convictions: Especially for transportation-related positions
Administrative Issues
- • Incomplete records: Missing court dispositions
- • Name discrepancies: Differences between ID and records
- • Outstanding warrants: Unresolved legal issues
- • Fingerprint quality: Poor prints requiring resubmission
- • Expired documentation: Outdated certificates or licenses
How to Handle Criminal History
If You Have Criminal History:
- Be honest and transparent - Dishonesty is often worse than the offense itself
- Gather complete documentation - Court records, proof of completion of sentences
- Demonstrate rehabilitation - Show positive changes and growth
- Highlight time elapsed - Emphasize time since the offense occurred
- Obtain character references - Professional and personal recommendations
- Consider legal assistance - Consult with an attorney for serious offenses
Documentation That Helps:
- • Certificates of completion for rehabilitation programs
- • Proof of community service or volunteer work
- • Employment records showing stable work history
- • Educational achievements or certifications earned
- • Letters from counselors, employers, or community leaders
- • Evidence of ongoing sobriety or treatment
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Inaccurate Criminal Records
Symptoms: Records show arrests or charges that were dismissed, expunged, or sealed
Solution: Contact the arresting agency and court clerk to obtain certified disposition records. Submit these to FDLE for record correction.
Problem: Identity Mix-up
Symptoms: Records showing offenses committed by someone with a similar name
Solution: Provide additional identifying information (DOB, SSN, aliases) and request manual review to differentiate between individuals.
Problem: Fingerprint Rejection
Symptoms: Poor fingerprint quality preventing automated processing
Solution: Use hand lotion regularly leading up to resubmission, ensure hands are warm and clean, or request name-based background check alternative.
Problem: Outstanding Warrants or Court Issues
Symptoms: Active warrants or unresolved court matters appearing on record
Solution: Immediately contact the issuing court or consult with an attorney to resolve outstanding issues before proceeding with employment.
Timeline and What to Expect
Typical Processing Timeline:
If You Pass:
- • Employer receives clearance notification
- • You may begin employment
- • Clearance valid for 2 years typically
- • Keep clearance documentation
If You Don't Pass:
- • You'll receive a denial notification
- • Reason for denial will be provided
- • You have appeal rights
- • Alternative positions may be available
Appeal Process and Rights
If Your Background Check is Denied:
- Review the denial letter carefully for specific reasons
- Gather additional documentation to address concerns
- Submit an appeal within the specified timeframe (usually 30 days)
- Consider legal representation for complex cases
- Explore alternative employment options that don't require Level 2 clearance
Important Rights:
- • Right to know the specific reason for denial
- • Right to appeal the decision
- • Right to provide additional information
- • Right to correct inaccurate information
- • Right to legal representation during appeals
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Level 2 background check valid?
Typically 2 years, but this varies by employer and position. Some employers may require annual renewals, especially for high-risk positions.
Can I work while waiting for results?
Some employers allow conditional employment pending background check results, but this varies by industry and company policy. Healthcare and childcare typically require clearance before starting work.
What if I have arrests but no convictions?
Arrests without convictions should not disqualify you. However, if these appear on your record, provide court documentation showing charges were dropped, dismissed, or resulted in acquittal.
Can juvenile records affect a Level 2 background check?
Generally, sealed juvenile records should not appear on adult background checks. However, certain serious juvenile offenses may be considered depending on the position and state law.