Florida employers that work with children and vulnerable adults are now required to add a new layer of transparency to their hiring process. Under a law signed last year by Governor Ron DeSantis, certain organizations must include a link to a state managed background screening resource in job postings for positions that require advanced criminal history checks.
The requirement applies to roles subject to Level 2 background screening through Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. That system is used for positions of trust across sectors such as education, healthcare, childcare, elder care, and residential services. The new mandate is intended to ensure that applicants understand screening requirements before applying and to standardize how background check information is communicated statewide.
The law directed the Agency for Health Care Administration to create and maintain a public webpage focused on background screening education and awareness. That resource is now active and includes information on disqualifying criminal offenses, exemption and appeal procedures, and estimated timelines for screening decisions. The agency has begun notifying affected employers through formal bulletins.
State officials gave AHCA until January 1, 2026 to activate the webpage, a deadline the agency met ahead of schedule. The law also requires AHCA to update the site by October 1, 2026 and annually thereafter to reflect changes in statutes, screening procedures, or clearinghouse operations.
Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse serves as a centralized system for Level 2 screenings, which rely on fingerprint based checks of state and national criminal databases. These screenings are required for individuals in sensitive roles where they may have direct access to children, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities. The system continuously monitors new criminal history data and flags arrests that occur after an individual has already been cleared.
Once a person’s screening record is entered into the clearinghouse, it can often be reused by future employers, reducing the need for repeat screenings and additional fees. State officials say this approach improves efficiency while maintaining safeguards for vulnerable populations.
Under the new law, employers must include a direct link to the AHCA background screening resource in job listings for any position that requires clearinghouse screening. Covered entities include public and charter schools, virtual instruction programs, healthcare providers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, home health agencies, group homes, youth athletic programs, and residential care facilities.
The requirement also applies to a wide range of state and local agencies, including the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Elder Affairs, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Education, and county agencies that license childcare facilities. Regional workforce boards and specialized institutions such as the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind are also included.
Employers are being encouraged to review their job postings and recruitment websites to ensure compliance. State officials say familiarity with the clearinghouse and the new educational resource will help employers avoid delays in hiring and reduce confusion for applicants.