Florida Fingerprinting Requirements

Submitting fingerprints is an important part of applying for a Florida real estate license. Fingerprinting allows state and federal agencies to complete the criminal background check required during the licensing process.

For many applicants, the fingerprinting appointment itself takes only a few minutes. However, using the wrong fingerprint provider, supplying an incorrect agency code, or entering information that does not match the license application may delay approval.

Understanding the Florida fingerprinting requirements before your appointment can help you avoid common problems and keep your real estate license application moving forward.

Are Fingerprints Required for a Florida Real Estate License?

Yes. Applicants for an initial Florida real estate sales associate license must complete a background check and submit fingerprints as part of the licensing process.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, commonly called the DBPR, currently instructs sales associate applicants to use a Livescan service provider registered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The current sales associate application checklist also directs applicants to submit the license application before submitting fingerprints.

Fingerprinting is also generally required when an eligible sales associate applies to upgrade to a Florida broker license.

Applicants should follow the instructions associated with their specific license application because procedures may differ among professions regulated by the DBPR.

What Is Livescan Fingerprinting?

Livescan is an electronic method of collecting fingerprints. Instead of placing ink on your fingers and rolling them onto a paper card, the provider scans your fingerprints using an electronic device.

The fingerprint images are transmitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or FDLE. The FDLE and Federal Bureau of Investigation can then process the fingerprints for the required state and national criminal history checks. FDLE states that electronic fingerprint submission through a Livescan device is required for state and national criminal history record checks conducted for authorized licensing purposes.

Electronic scanning is cleaner and faster than traditional ink fingerprinting. It can also reduce the likelihood that fingerprints will be rejected because they are unclear or incomplete. The DBPR's fingerprinting guidance states that the scanning appointment itself typically takes approximately five to ten minutes.

When Should You Get Fingerprinted?

For an initial Florida real estate sales associate application, the current DBPR checklist says that the application for licensure should be submitted before the applicant submits fingerprints.

After submitting the application, applicants should complete fingerprinting promptly through an FDLE-registered Livescan service provider. DBPR warns that it may take up to five days for fingerprint results to be received after they are submitted to FDLE.

Some older or general DBPR fingerprinting documents may contain different timing recommendations. For that reason, applicants should follow the instructions on the current checklist for their exact license category.

Waiting too long to complete fingerprinting can delay the application because DBPR may be unable to finish reviewing an application until it receives the background check results.

Where Can You Get Fingerprinted?

You must use a Livescan service provider that is registered with or approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

FDLE maintains a current list of registered Livescan submitters. The list includes private fingerprinting businesses and other authorized providers throughout Florida.

Before scheduling your appointment, ask the provider whether it processes fingerprints for Florida DBPR real estate licensing. Do not assume that every business offering fingerprinting can electronically submit results for your specific license.

Some providers accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Availability, hours, identification requirements, and service fees may vary by location.

What Is an ORI Number?

An Originating Agency Identification number, usually called an ORI number, tells the fingerprint provider which agency and licensing division should receive your results.

The correct ORI is essential. DBPR warns that it will not receive your fingerprint results if the ORI is missing or incorrect. The applicant is responsible for supplying the proper information and making sure the prints are submitted to the correct agency.

Tell the provider that your fingerprints are for a Florida real estate license regulated by DBPR. Verify the current ORI through the DBPR application instructions or official fingerprinting materials before your appointment.

Do not use an ORI associated with another profession merely because you were previously fingerprinted for employment, education, health care, construction, or another license.

Can Previous Fingerprints Be Reused?

Applicants should not assume that fingerprints previously submitted for another job or professional license can be reused for a Florida real estate application.

According to DBPR guidance, FBI regulations generally prevent fingerprints from being shared between different professions or agencies. Separate fingerprints may be required for each license, using the correct ORI for that particular profession.

For example, fingerprints submitted for a teaching position, nursing license, concealed weapon permit, or contractor license will not necessarily satisfy the Florida real estate licensing requirement.

Even when your previous fingerprinting appointment occurred recently, confirm whether a new submission is required.

What Should You Bring to the Appointment?

DBPR's general electronic fingerprinting guidance states that applicants must bring two forms of identification. At least one form must include the applicant's photograph and signature, such as a:

• Driver's license
• State identification card
• Passport

An applicant may not be fingerprinted without acceptable identification.

You should also bring or have access to:

• The correct ORI number
• The name of the profession or license
• Your DBPR application information
• A payment method accepted by the provider
• Any confirmation or paperwork requested by the fingerprinting business

Make sure your name, date of birth, and other identifying information match what you entered on the real estate license application. Inaccurate demographic information can result in processing delays.

How Much Does Florida Real Estate Fingerprinting Cost?

There is no single service price charged by every Livescan provider. The total amount may include state and federal background check charges as well as the private provider's service fee.

DBPR advises applicants to contact providers directly because fingerprinting prices vary.

Before making an appointment, ask what the complete price includes. A provider should be able to explain whether the quoted amount includes electronic submission and all required government processing charges.

Keep your receipt after the appointment. It may include information needed to locate the transaction if your results are delayed.

What Happens After Your Fingerprints Are Taken?

After scanning your fingerprints, the Livescan provider electronically sends the fingerprint images to FDLE using the ORI you supplied.

FDLE and the FBI process the fingerprints and make the results available to DBPR. Applicants normally do not need to obtain a copy of the results or personally deliver them to the licensing department.

DBPR's general guidance states that results are usually delivered within several business days, although processing times can vary.

Keep the receipt containing your Transaction Control Number, commonly called the TCN. FDLE provides a public transaction-status search that can use the TCN to check the status of a Livescan submission.

What If DBPR Does Not Receive the Results?

If you receive a deficiency notice stating that your fingerprint results have not been received, contact the Livescan provider first.

Ask the provider to verify that:

• The submission was transmitted successfully
• The correct ORI was used
• Your identifying information was accurate
• The transaction was accepted by FDLE

Your receipt and TCN can help the provider locate the transaction.

A missing result does not always mean that the background check uncovered a problem. It may simply mean the submission was not completed, was sent using the wrong ORI, or has not yet reached DBPR.

What If the Fingerprints Are Rejected?

Although electronic machines check fingerprint quality during the appointment, prints may occasionally be determined to be illegible.

If this happens, DBPR may send a notice instructing you to return to the same provider for another scan, sometimes called a reroll. The notice may include transaction information the provider must use to connect the new submission with the original one.

Applicants with very dry, damaged, worn, or difficult-to-read fingerprints may be more likely to experience a rejection. Follow the provider's instructions and bring any letter supplied by DBPR.

What If You Live Outside Florida?

Out-of-state applicants should not assume that they must travel to Florida solely to complete fingerprinting.

DBPR advises applicants living outside Florida to locate an FDLE-approved provider that is capable of processing hard fingerprint cards. The applicant may need to obtain the appropriate card, have the prints taken by a local law-enforcement agency, and send the card to an authorized provider for electronic processing.

Because out-of-state procedures can be more complicated, contact DBPR or the selected provider before having fingerprints taken. Make sure you receive instructions specifically for Florida real estate licensure.

Does a Criminal Record Automatically Prevent Licensure?

A criminal history does not necessarily result in automatic denial of every Florida real estate license application.

DBPR reviews the background information to determine whether an offense creates a statutory disqualification or requires additional review. Depending on the circumstances, an application may need to be considered by the licensing board, and the applicant may be asked to provide records or appear before the board.

Applicants must answer the background questions on the license application accurately and completely. Do not assume that an arrest, charge, sealed record, expunged matter, or old offense does not need to be disclosed. Carefully follow the exact wording of each application question and provide the documentation requested by DBPR.

Common Fingerprinting Mistakes to Avoid

Several preventable errors can slow the licensing process:

• Getting fingerprinted for the wrong profession
• Using an incorrect ORI number
• Visiting a provider that cannot submit to FDLE
• Submitting information that does not match the license application
• Completing fingerprinting but failing to submit the application
• Losing the receipt or TCN
• Assuming previous fingerprints can be reused
• Ignoring a fingerprint deficiency notice

Review all information before the provider sends the submission. A few minutes of verification can prevent a much longer delay.

Final Thoughts

Florida real estate applicants must complete electronic fingerprinting and a criminal background check as part of the licensing process.

Submit your real estate license application, choose an FDLE-registered Livescan provider, supply the correct ORI, bring proper identification, and keep your fingerprinting receipt. Your fingerprints will then be transmitted electronically for state and national processing, with the results provided to DBPR.

If the results do not appear within the expected period, use your TCN to check the transaction and contact the Livescan provider. Respond promptly to any deficiency or reroll notice.

Fingerprinting procedures, provider lists, fees, and agency instructions may change. Before scheduling your appointment, review the current sales associate application checklist and official fingerprinting guidance from DBPR and FDLE.