Florida Background Checks

The hiring process can be both lengthy and expensive for employers — so your business needs to find qualified and trustworthy employees the first time around. At Accurate, we provide in-depth background checks that give you the information you need to hire with peace of mind.

Our background checks go beyond what you’ll find in a public records  or social media search. We can provide valuable data regarding the applicant’s criminal history, education, past employment, licensing, credentials, and more — all of which can give you a clearer picture of the candidate’s qualifications and eligibility.

If you’re not already performing Florida background checks as a part of your hiring process, here are a few reasons you should consider implementing a background-checking policy:

1. Make Informed Hiring Decisions: With a background check, you can learn more about your candidate’s history while also verifying the information they’ve provided on their application. These results (and our easy-to-read reports) can help you and your hiring managers determine if the applicant is truly qualified and eligible for the position.
2. Reduce Risks: A background check can also help mitigate risks to your business, employees, customers, clients, or patients. Knowing your employees’ history upfront can help promote a safer work environment and ensure that your clientele receives the best possible care from those in your employ. Plus, respectable and trustworthy employees safeguard your company’s reputation and instill confidence in your customers.
3. Maintain Compliance: In some industries, Florida background checks aren’t just a good idea —they’re a requirement. State agencies and businesses in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and childcare must perform specific background checks, beyond criminal history checks and employment verification, prior to employing an applicant. Failing to do so can result in fines, litigation, and even license revocation.

Background checks give your business an added layer of protection and show your partners, customers, clients and employees that you’re performing your due diligence.

When performing background checks, your company needs to follow federal and state regulations governing how your candidates’ personal information is collected and used. At Accurate, we do our part to ensure compliance during our background check process. But it’s also important that your company is familiar with the following laws regulating Florida background checks, including:

• FCRA Requirements: Florida employers must adhere to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which requires employers to provide a disclosure telling the candidate you will be performing a background check on them and receive written consent for the check before proceeding. The FCRA also requires employers to follow a specific process of notifications and review periods if they decide not to hire based on the background check results.
• Ban the Box Laws: Florida does not have a statewide fair hiring law. But many cities and counties in Florida, including Gainesville, have enacted their own Ban the Box laws, which place restrictions on when employers are allowed to ask about an applicant’s criminal history, or run a background check, during the application process. Each law has its own unique notice, job posting and adverse action policies, so check local laws, both in your company’s and the candidate’s locations, before requesting a background check.

Background checks are essential ways to keep your customers, clients and employees while also reducing your company’s legal and compliance risks. At Accurate, we make it easier than ever to find candidates suited to your company and the positions you’re looking to fill. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive and customizable employment screening services.