Compliance
Caregiver Background Check Requirements: A Guide for Agencies
Most states require a criminal check before client contact, many fingerprint-based through the FBI. Five states' rules, FCRA steps, exclusion lists and rechecks.
Caregiver background check rules in Florida
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All Florida resources
Yes. Florida requires a criminal background check before a caregiver works with clients, using fingerprints. Home health agencies, nurse registries, and companion and homemaker services must require level 2 background screening for employees and contractors. Level 2 screening uses fingerprints for statewide (FDLE) and national (FBI) criminal history checks plus local records checks.
What does the check include?
| Check required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint-based | Yes |
| Registries named | Sexual predator and sexual offender registries of any state lived in during the prior 5 years |
| Rule | Fla. Stat. 400.512; 408.809; 435.04 |
What should you confirm with the state?
Companion and homemaker-only agencies register with AHCA, while agencies that give hands-on personal care need a home health agency license with separate requirements. The registration fee is per two-year period. Confirm any training requirements for companions and homemakers with AHCA.
What other checks should you run?
Agencies that bill Medicaid or Medicare should also check the HHS Office of Inspector General exclusion list before hire and monthly, because payments for services by an excluded person can be recovered. If you use a background screening company, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires written disclosure and the applicant's authorization first.
Sources
More for Florida
Background checks by state: other states
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