Florida Clearinghouse Guide
Step-by-step guidance for navigating the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.
Need help navigating the Clearinghouse?
Our staff is trained to guide you through the entire process. Contact us or ask during your appointment.
Step-by-Step Process
Determine If You Need the Clearinghouse
The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (managed by the Agency for Health Care Administration — AHCA) is required for individuals who work or volunteer with children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults in regulated settings. This includes: child care facilities, public and private schools, healthcare facilities, assisted living facilities, adult family-care homes, and other AHCA- or DCF-licensed providers. If your employer or licensing agency requires a Level 2 background screening, you almost certainly need to be in the Clearinghouse.
Have Your Employer Submit a Retention or Employment Request
You do not register yourself. Your employer, licensing agency, or volunteer organization must initiate the process by submitting a screening request through the Clearinghouse portal (careproviderbgscreenings.com). They will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and legal name to create your record.
Obtain Your ORI Number From Your Employer
Your employer or licensing agency must provide you with their ORI number before your appointment. The ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) tells FDLE and the FBI exactly which agency should receive your results. Do not guess or use an ORI from an internet search — an incorrect ORI means your results go to the wrong agency. Ask your HR department, hiring manager, or licensing board for the exact ORI.
Schedule Your Livescan Appointment
Come to Patriot Intelligence for your electronic Livescan fingerprinting. Bring: (1) a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), (2) your ORI number, and (3) your Social Security number. We capture your fingerprints digitally and submit them electronically to both FDLE (state) and the FBI (federal) on your behalf.
Receive Your Transaction Control Number (TCN)
After your fingerprints are submitted, you will receive a Transaction Control Number (TCN) — a unique identifier for your submission. Save this number. You can use it to track your screening status with FDLE and provide it to your employer as proof of submission.
FDLE & FBI Process Your Results
FDLE typically returns state criminal history results within 24–72 business hours. FBI federal results may take longer, up to 10 business days in some cases. Results are sent directly to your employer's Clearinghouse portal — you will not receive the results directly. Your employer will notify you of the outcome.
Employer Reviews and Retains You in the Clearinghouse
Once your employer receives the results in the Clearinghouse portal, they will either approve or deny your retention. If approved, your screening status is stored in the Clearinghouse. You can then authorize other qualifying employers to view your existing results without being re-fingerprinted, as long as there has been no break in employment or a new arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manages the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse?
Is the Clearinghouse required for all jobs?
How much does it cost?
Can I reuse a previous background check?
What if I've been fingerprinted in another state?
What disqualifies someone from Clearinghouse approval?
What is a Livescan vs. ink fingerprinting?