Acquiring a Florida real estate license is an essential requirement for anyone aspiring to work as a real estate agent or broker. In addition to completing real estate school and passing the state exam, you will also need your fingerprints taken.
How the Fingerprinting Goes
In Florida, applicants for real estate licenses must pass through fingerprinting and a criminal background check. This step is essential to guarantee everyone has been thoroughly vetted so they can be trusted with the public’s safety and money.
At some point in the fingerprinting process, you will be asked for identification, and your fingerprints will be collected by a qualified professional. According to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation guidelines, candidates should obtain their fingerprints through an accredited Livescan Service Provider at least five days before submitting their application.
Once submitted, fingerprints will be forwarded to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI for background checks. The results will then be reported back to the Florida Real Estate Commission.
What You Need to Bring
Florida real estate license applicants must submit their fingerprints to an approved Live Scan Service Provider for a criminal history check prior to taking the state exam. This background check guarantees that prospective agents have no previous convictions that could hinder their ability to provide services related to real estate transactions.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Live Scan Fingerprinting process typically takes only 10 minutes or less, making it a convenient option for those pursuing their Florida real estate license. All that’s required is to bring a valid photo ID, such as your driver’s license or passport, to the appointment.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) strongly encourages applicants to submit their fingerprints through an authorized Livescan service provider at least five days before submitting their license application. This gives Law Enforcement and the FBI enough time to process the prints before sending them on to DBPR; if results aren’t received at that time, the application will be marked incomplete.
How to Schedule an Appointment
The Florida Real Estate Commission recommends scheduling your fingerprinting appointment at least five days before you submit your initial license application. This gives the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) and FBI enough time to process your prints and run a background check on you.
Your fingerprints will be used to conduct a criminal background check, which examines past convictions and other information. These results will be used by the DRE when making their determination whether or not to approve your license application.
To arrange for your Florida real estate license fingerprinting, contact a nearby Live Scan service provider. They should have an easy-to-complete Live Scan Service Request form that you can fill out.
What to Expect
Florida real estate license applicants must submit their fingerprints for a criminal background check, which will be conducted by the FBI and Department of Justice to determine if they have a criminal record.
Within a few weeks, the Florida Real Estate Commission will receive the results of your background check and determine if you meet the requirements for a real estate sales license.
Once you pass the real estate licensing exam, it is essential to complete your fingerprinting appointment promptly. This will give the Commission enough time to conduct their background check before determining your eligibility to take the state exam.
In Florida, fingerprinting can be done at any Live Scan Service Provider. Some providers offer electronic and hard card fingerprinting; make sure your provider is approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for this service.
Where to Get Fingerprints For My Florida Real Estate License?
There are various locations where you can have your fingerprints taken and submitted for a background check. To locate the closest location closest to you, look at each state’s official website; most often there will be a map displaying its nearest fingerprinting location.
In Florida, you will use IdentoGo by MorphoTrust USA to get your fingerprints done. You can visit the PearsonVue website to make your fingerprint reservation.
