How to Conduct a Broward County Background Check

Michelle Wilson - October 12, 2023

Background checks allow an in-depth screening of an applicant’s history, particularly concerning criminal activity. This process is typical during the employment process, looking at the qualifications or eligibility of a prospective applicant. Many applicants frequently request a background check copy to review the information carefully before applying. Locate the record request icon on the Sheriff’s Office website to conduct your Broward County background check. Users will follow the step-by-step instructions from there to finalize their request. 

Completing Your Broward County Background Check

Your request will begin on the Broward Sheriff’s Office website. Users will submit all requests electronically, with applications finalized in the received order. Requests enter the Public Records Unit, where a requestor can communicate directly with the technician responsible for their report. The technician will send all updates to the requestor via email. Requests may include accident records, incident reports, local records checks, and other reports.

Is a Local Records Check a Background Check?

A local records check is similar to a background check, except the results are local to the requesting region. These records are common for housing, employment, immigration, and adoption requests. Although these records aren’t a comprehensive criminal history, they hold local information for Broward County. Select the option on the search platform to start your local records check. Choose the “Submit a Records Request” button on the page that best suits your needs. Available options include law enforcement, general public records, media outlets, or child welfare requests. 

Selecting the Proper Local Records Check

After starting your request, the platform allows users to choose from various report options. These options include incident reports, fire rescue records, crash/accident reports, and local record checks. Individuals must create an account to access the results, establishing a direct line of communication with the investigator. All requests finalized in under 15 minutes are available at no cost. Individuals facing a complex search are billed $25.00 per hour in research fees. If your request requires payment, you’ll receive an estimate in your inbox before starting the request. 

Can You Submit a Background Check in Person or Through Mail?

While individuals can request a local records check in person or through direct mail, it doesn’t expedite the process. Letters requesting further information must include the name, date of birth, sex, and race of the intended party. Likewise, in-person requests will require the same details. If you’re looking for an accident report, you’ll need all the details of the incident to receive confirmation of the report. 

Although applicants can submit a request in the office, all details are entered into the same public records unit queue in the same order it was received. You can no longer wait in the building while the request is finalized, as everything is electronic. Staff will contact you through email with the results of your request. 

Understanding Background Checks for Employment Purposes

Background checks review several public records to evaluate a potential employee comprehensively. These records will vary according to the employer but will often include several sections in the screening. When using a background check for employment, an employer may compile several areas to ensure adequate information. Background screening may consist of sections in the following areas for employment use:

Identity Verification

This verification will review an employee’s name and address history against details on the resume. Additionally, Social Security verification ensures the number isn’t attached to other names. 

Employment Verification

This review will evaluate all work history for a potential applicant. Details include:

• Previous employers.
• Duration of employment.
• Position within the company.
• Highlights of any employment gaps.

Education Profile

The education profile will include any post-secondary education available for an applicant. These details confirm school names, attendance, graduation dates, degrees, and certifications. 

Criminal Records

The criminal records will compile a comprehensive list of an individual’s criminal activity. These records evaluate local, state, and federal documents, including misdemeanors and felonies.

Unlike county search efforts, this review will include any additional names or aliases attached to the applicant.

Motor Vehicle Screening

The motor vehicle screening looks at a driver’s history within Florida. Assessment will include:

• Any license class and current status.
• Incidents like moving violations or accidents.
• Vehicle-related convictions on the record. 

Drug Testing Requirements

Individual employers may require drug testing to secure a position within the company. Drug tests use blood, saliva, or hair samples to determine whether alcohol or controlled substances exist within the body. 

How Long Does a Background Check Take in Broward County?

The length to receive a complete background check will largely depend on the information requested. If using the Broward County platform, requests are often available within a few business days (depending on requests in the queue). Results are available within a few business days if the background check uses a third-party CRA. 

Different Levels of Background Checks in Broward County

As an employer, two background screening levels exist for hiring purposes. A few industries hold government statutes for background checks under the FL Statute 943.0452. The rule requires regulated industries to perform Level 1 and 2 screening through law enforcement agencies. 

Employers outside these regulated industries may choose an independent consumer reporting agency to compile their background checks. Additionally, a mandated employer may use a CRA to find other relevant information about an applicant during the hiring process. 

The Level 1 Background Check

A level 1 background check will use an individual’s name to scan through state agencies. These details may include criminal history, employment confirmation, education profiles, and other relevant information. The criminal history revealed within a level 1 background check doesn’t offer specific details of the offense. An employer may choose to conduct the criminal record check through law enforcement agencies like the Sheriff’s department for more information. 

The Level 2 Background Check

All level 2 background checks use a fingerprint marking system to scan through state and national criminal records. All regulated and state agencies use the level 2 background check for verification, mainly when confirming employment eligibility. Currently, state scanning services use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the screening, while the federal search effort relies on the FBI database for results. 

How Far Back Does a Background Check Report in Broward County?

Broward County follows all Florida state laws relating to the disclosure of information. Currently, no state law regulates the background screening process regarding timeline. Some screenings will look indefinitely into your history, particularly concerning criminal records. While many cities and regions now follow the “Ban the Box” initiative, Broward isn’t included in this qualification. 

What is Ban the Box Legislation?

Ban the Box initiatives ask that all employers remove the traditional criminal history screening commonly found on employment applications. This includes any criminal record, pardons, or inquiry until qualification for the position. Ban the Box eliminates invisible barriers for individuals with criminal histories in achieving gainful employment. 

Conclusion

The easiest way to confirm your criminal history is through the Broward County portal online. This option allows individuals to request specific cases, reports, or incidents virtually and at no cost to the requestor. A few complex issues may find an additional fee attached to their search, but all cases will include an estimate of the service fee before commencing. Users will receive the completed request through email, but only regarding Broward County.