FAQ: Why do I need to have my fingerprints taken for a Florida license?

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires fingerprints from each sales associate applicant in order to perform a background check as part of the approval process. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI will use the fingerprints to conduct background checks. The results of those background checks will be reported back to the Florida Real Estate Commission.

You will need to have your electronic fingerprint process complete when you submit your initial license application. The Commission recommends getting fingerprinted at least five days before you submit your licensure application to enable time for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to process your fingerprints and submit the results to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Your fingerprints will also be used by the FBI to conduct a background check. You will have to have your fingerprints take by a Florida-approved Livescan service provider.