When Is Live Scan Fingerprinting Required in Florida?

Live Scan fingerprinting is required in Florida for a wide range of professional licenses, employment positions, and government applications. This guide covers the most common Live Scan requirements and clarifies when a Live Scan result can be apostilled versus when an FBI Identity History Summary is needed instead.

Florida Professional License Requirements

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires Live Scan fingerprinting for most professional license applications, including:

• Real estate agents and brokers
• Contractors (general, electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
• Cosmetologists and barbers
• Insurance agents
• Mortgage loan originators
• Security officers

Education and Childcare

Florida requires Live Scan background checks for:

• All Florida public school teachers and school employees
• Childcare workers and facility operators
• Foster care and adoption applicants
• Volunteers with direct access to children

Healthcare

Florida healthcare workers — nurses, physicians, pharmacists, home health aides — are required to undergo Live Scan background checks through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).

Firearms and Concealed Weapons

Florida concealed weapons permit applications require fingerprinting. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) accepts Live Scan submissions for this purpose.

Can a Florida Live Scan Result Be Apostilled?

A Florida FDLE criminal history record (the result of a Live Scan submission) can be apostilled by the Florida Secretary of State. However, most foreign countries that require a background check for residency or visa purposes specifically require an FBI Identity History Summary — not a Florida state record. Miami Dade Apostille confirms the correct document for your specific foreign requirement before any submission. Full Live Scan and apostille guide.

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